Wal-Mart is planning to launch irradiated meat in the US as part of an experiment to find out whether consumers want to buy it, and at what price. The move came as the US government gave the go-ahead for retailers to sell irradiated meat, after consumer groups and food safety experts said it was a safe and effective way of killing bacteria. Regulations mean products must be clearly labelled. Wal-Mart refused to say when the meat would be on sale, for how long, or what premium consumers would pay. US officials say irradiation adds 2c to 6c per pound of meat processed. l The US Food and Drug Administration is also debating whether to make labels on GM foods compulsory. Wal-Mart says it will supply whatever consumers want. {{NEWS }}