FDA considers using radiation to kill pathogens in raw wheat flour
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The Food and Drug Administration has received a request from Sterigenics U.S., LLC, to change the rules on food irradiation. Specifically, the company wants permission to use ionizing radiation on raw enriched wheat flour to reduce harmful bacteria.
Why it matters: This is mostly about food safety and manufacturing efficiency. If approved, it would give processors another tool to kill pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli in flour without using chemicals. It does not change what consumers see or taste, but it could alter how some mills operate. At this stage, it is just a proposal; no changes have been made yet.
Who it affects
- Wheat millers and food processors who handle raw enriched wheat flour
This notice comes from the FDA, filed by Deputy Commissioner Grace R. Graham; check the Federal Register entry FR Doc. 2026-12855 for the full legal text and comment period details before relying on it.
Agency: Health and Human Services Department, Food and Drug Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document