South Korea mulls on meat radiation sterilisation

The Korea Food and Drug Administration is considering a request from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to allow radiation sterilisation of beef, pork, poultry products and seafood.

Currently in South Korea, radiation is only permitted on 26 foods, but not on meat products.

Back in 2000, the KAERI had made the same request, however, it was rejected at that time as the food and drug agency argued that the safety of radiation sterilisation of meat was still uncertain.

However, the KAERI now argues that the safety of radiation sterilisation has already been verified by international organisations such as the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration. KAERI officials say there are also other benefits, as radiation sterilisation can double the time that meat stays edible.

However, radiation sterilisation faces strong objections by food manufacturers and civic organisations. There is a feeling among Koreans who are reluctant to buy goods or food that has had been sterilised by radiation.