Since 1992, irradiation has been approved for chicken producers, but it is used on less than 1% of the output.

FORBES: Fillow-Through

Though it's unlikely to have an impact on China's chicken supply, the accident came as chicken producers were seeing sales recover after an outbreak of a deadly new strain of bird flu, H7N9, briefly scared the public in April and early May.

NPR: Fire Kills 119 At Poultry Plant In Northeast China

Rising commodity prices can translate into higher food costs, especially as producers of beef, pork and chicken look to pass on higher animal-feed costs.

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