It found that some 65 had been identified in the volatile fraction contained in the head space of irradiated meat.

Moreover, irradiated meat that is contaminated may become more dangerous than unirradiated meat.

So if irradiated meat becomes contaminated, the new pathogens have less competition and can multiply more rapidly.

"We've had a few calls from parents who said their kids would brown bag it if we serve irradiated meat," she said.

It was originally identified as a contaminant of irradiated canned meat in 1956.

The department would require that irradiated meat be labeled, with a symbol and statement indicating that the product had been treated.

Whether the public will accept irradiated meat is unclear, since there has been so much resistance by consumers to the technology in the past.

It's essential parents be allowed to sign off before irradiated meat is allowed.

"The last thing we need is a reporter who puts out a story that kids are served irradiated meat and parents didn't know," he said.

In a side-by-side test, all the irradiated meats smelled funny, especially the ground beef.