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Questions and answers

Why is gamma irradiation used?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry applies a range of biosecurity treatments to products of animal origin. The treatments available include heat treatment and gamma irradiation.

Gamma irradiation is a risk management measure that may be offered for certain products of animal origin that do not fully meet Australia’s import requirements, or where the importer is unable to provide the department with sufficient information to complete a risk assessment.

Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products for human consumption

 

Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products derived from bovines born and raised in Canada or Mexico and legally imported and slaughtered in the United States

We have completed the final report of an addendum to the 2017 beef review, which assessed the biosecurity risks of fresh beef and beef products that are derived from bovines legally imported from Canada and Mexico into the United States and exported to Australia.