USDA published its final rule on the decision in December.
Following its approval of irradiation to reduce or eliminate pathogens in raw meat products (see Food Engineering, January), the USDA published its final rule on the decision in December. The rule was scheduled to take effect Feb. 22.
Based on new data from the Census Bureau, the study indicates that Colorado food stores rang up an average $8.9 million each in 1997, more than any other state and well above the national average of $5.1 million.