DeLauro Bill Bans the Use of Carbon Monoxide in Meat Packaging

DeLauro Bill Bans the Use of Carbon Monoxide in Meat Packaging

- Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today introduced legislation that prohibits the use of carbon monoxide technology in meat packaging. The procedure, known as ‘modified atmosphere packaging,' allows carbon monoxide to be injected into meat packaging to make it look red longer than it otherwise would. This kind of meat is becoming more widely available as supermarkets have eliminated their butchers and have purchased pre-cut ‘case-ready' meat from processing plants.

DeLauro is ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee.

"The sole purpose of this practice is to deceive consumers into purchasing and potentially eating meat that looks fresh, but could be spoiled," said DeLauro. "I understand the meat producers' desire to cut costs that result from discarding meat that has begun to turn brown, but is still safe to eat. However, ground beef treated with carbon monoxide still could have the appearance of being fresh months after its ‘sell-by' date. Consumers often do not know until they open the package at home and smell its contents that the meat has spoiled."

This week, the American Meat Institute (AMI) announced the results of two industry-funded studies - one conducted by an AMI ‘expert consultant'- claiming that carbon monoxide is safe to use in meat packages and that opponents should concede their position and end the debate. Indeed, the carbon monoxide gas itself may be safe and would not cause harm to consumers. However, when the gas is injected to deceive customers into purchasing unsafe meat, then there is no doubt that it would be harmful to consumers.

In 2004, the USDA and FDA approved the use of carbon monoxide through an informal process without a full public comment process or and without regulations specifying conditions of use. "The result is that meat labels do not currently indicate whether meat has been treated with carbon monoxide - leaving no way for the consumer to know by looking at the package whether they are buying fresh meat for their family," said DeLauro.

DeLauro argued that we are already entrusting the industry with the responsibility to inform the consumer on the freshness of the meat since expiration dates on meat are not federally regulated, but are determined by the meat industry.

"This is a common sense, consumer smart bill," said DeLauro. "The American family must have access to the freshest and safest meat possible."

Canada, Japan, and the European Union already ban the use of carbon monoxide in meat packages.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/July/carbon_monoxide_7_28_06.html