FDA approves bacteria-killing irradiation for lettuce, spinach

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Story Published: Aug 21, 2008 at 1:26 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 1:26 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP)- The government will allow food producers to start zapping fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce with just enough radiation to kill dangerous bacteria.

The safety move comes amid increasing outbreaks from raw produce.

Irradiated meat has been around for years, particularly ground beef, which is a favorite hiding spot for E. coli..

But there have been long-standing concerns that zapping leafy greens with X-rays or other means of radiation would leave them limp. Today's modern techniques have eliminated that issue.

The grocery industry asked the Food and Drug Administration to extend the use of irradiation to plants several years ago. The new rules go into effect Friday.

The government is still considering what other types of produce might be okay to irradiate.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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