Chasinmendo wrote on Jul 7^th, 2007 at 7:23pm:

Nope not trying to incite a riot here.  Overseas in many areas I have had irradiated foods including milk and meats.  Its a little strange being able to keep milk on the shelf for up to a year until you open it and having fresh as the day it was extracted.  Meats also, really nice steaks in vacuum pack but shelf stable.  In Australia and in the Philippines its common fare. I have not been able to find any in this country however.  The foods are irradiated with Cobalt.  In this country virtually all medical devices are now irradiated with Cobalt instead of sterilizing with steam or other heat methods.  Cobalt leave no particulate residue and you probably have a Cobalt facility near your home without even realizing it not to speak of all the medical facilities who use Cobalt for various things.  I know that I would enjoy being able to have great steaks on protracted trips.

In my travels I have noticed many of the same things, also interesting packaging for condiments that lend themselves to a camping use.  I have not tried the meats yet because I did not have cooking facilities but maybe I will bring some home to test with.  Interesting options to augment the protein part of a meal.  Great idea SW