The South Carolina Beef Board has joined others in the beef industry to wage war on deadly bacteria such as E. coli and others through food irradiation. Even though meat is not the primary culprit of food borne diseases, it is the one food group that is the most prominent in the news. That is why the beef industry wants to make ground beef one of the safest foods on the dinner table.

The Beef Board will be serving irradiated beef patties at the Saluda County’s Farm-City Week event, “Taste and See,” on Tuesday, November 20, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Saluda National Guard Armory. The special event spotlights food items that are produced in Saluda County. Educational exhibits are also featured that are of interest to both farm and town folks. Local entertainment will also perform and door prizes will be given. The public is invited to attend. A $1 donation will be accepted at the door from participants 12-years-old and older.

“Improved food safety is not only good for South Carolina’s beef producers, but it’s also beneficial to consumers statewide,” said James Sease of Ehrhardt, cattle producer and Chairman of the South Carolina Beef Board.

Irradiated foods are safe and wholesome. The Food and Drug Administration approved the process after a thorough safety review. Huisken Meats in Minnesota has developed a patented electron beam process which uses no radioactive materials.

Many irradiated products have become commonplace, not only in the US, but also in 42 other countries around the world. Commercial spices used as ingredients in ready-to-eat foods, for example, have been irradiated to kill pests and other contaminants for over a decade. Of course, the real pioneers are our astronauts who have been eating irradiated food since the early 1970’s.

For more information about “Taste and See,” call the Saluda County Clemson Extension Office at 864-445-8117.

For more information about irradiated beef or the SC Beef Board, contact Jim Pooser at 803-734-9806 or email.