Market Testing Irradiated Beef

Early next year, the nation’s two largest meat-packers will test market
a new product—ground beef that’s been irradiated to kill harmful
bacteria. The Federal Food and Drug Administration approved irradiation
for red meat in 1997, but the meat industry has been moving cautiously.
Companies are unsure whether consumers will accept irradiated meat. The
product got a major test recently in Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio’s
Mary Losure reports:

Tuberculosis Spreading Through Deer Populations

Despite efforts by Michigan officials to curb the spread of Tuberculosis-infected white-tail deer, the disease is spreading. Farmers fear the TB-infected deer may threaten their livestock and are asking officials to take stronger measures to control the disease. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Michelle Corum reports: