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Document 52009XC1009(01)
Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2007
Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2007
Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2007
OJ C 242, 9.10.2009, p. 2–18
(BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)
9.10.2009 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
C 242/2 |
Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2007
2009/C 242/02
1. LEGAL BASIS AND BACKGROUND
Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 February 1999 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation (1) requires the Member States to forward to the Commission every year:
— |
the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of food and food ingredients treated and the doses administered, and |
— |
the results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect treatment with ionising radiation. |
Article 7(4) of the same Directive imposes on the Commission to publish in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
— |
the details of the approved irradiation facilities in the Member States as well as any changes in their status, |
— |
a report on the information provided by the national supervisory authorities. |
The current report covers the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. It contains a compilation of the information forwarded to the Commission by 25 Member States.
Information on general aspects of food irradiation is available on the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer (2).
1.1. Irradiation facilities
According to Article 3(2) of Directive 1999/2/EC, food and food ingredients may be irradiated only in approved irradiation facilities. For facilities in the EU, approval is given by the competent authorities of the Member States. The Member States have to inform the Commission of their approved irradiation facilities (Article 7(1)).
Irradiation of food and food ingredients may only be carried out by means of the following sources:
— |
Gamma rays from radionuclides 60Co or 137Cs, |
— |
X-rays generated from machine sources operated at or below a nominal energy (maximum quantum energy) level of 5 MeV, |
— |
Electrons generated from machine sources operated at or below a nominal energy (maximum quantum energy) level of 10 MeV. |
The list of approved irradiation facilities in the Member States has been published by the Commission (3) in the Official Journal of the European Union and can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/approved_facilities_en.pdf
1.2. Irradiated food and food ingredients
The irradiation of dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings is authorised in the EU at Community level (Directive 1999/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 February 1999 on the establishment of a Community list of food and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation (4)).
In addition, seven Member States have notified that they maintain national authorisations for certain food and food ingredients in accordance with Article 4(4) of Directive 1999/2/EC. The list of national authorisations has been published by the Commission (5).
Any irradiated foodstuff and foodstuff or compound food containing one or more irradiated food ingredient must be labelled with the words ‘irradiated’ or ‘treated with ionising radiation’. In the case of products sold in bulk, these words shall appear together with the name of the product on a display or notice above or beside the container in which the products are placed.
To enforce correct labelling or to detect non-authorised products, several analytical methods have been standardised by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), following a mandate given by the European Commission.
2. RESULTS OF CHECKS CARRIED OUT IN IRRADIATION FACILITIES
This section of the report deals with the results of the checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of products treated and the doses administered.
The Member States submitted the following information on approved facilities and checks carried out in those facilities.
2.1. Belgium
Inspections by the competent authorities in 2007 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility Sterigenics SA with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.
The following table shows the categories and quantities of products irradiated in this facility in 2007.
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Frog legs |
1 521 |
5 |
Meat |
445 |
6-8 |
Poultry |
282 |
5 |
Fish and shellfish |
258 |
3-5 |
Herbs and spices |
139 |
6-9 |
Dehydrated blood |
16 |
6-9 |
Vegetables |
12 |
6 |
Starch |
11 |
3 |
Eggs powder |
7 |
3 |
Others |
108 |
0-10 |
Total |
2 799 |
|
2.2. Bulgaria
No information has been forwarded by Bulgaria.
2.3. Czech Republic
Inspections by the competent authorities in 2007 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility Artim Spol SRO with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.
The following table shows the categories and quantities of products irradiated in this facility in 2007.
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings |
55 |
1-10 |
Total |
55 |
|
2.4. Germany
During the reporting period, there were four approved irradiation facilities in Germany. Inspections by the competent authorities in 2007 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.
The following tables show the categories and quantities of products irradiated in 2007 for each facility. In total 331 tonnes of products were treated in three irradiation facilities in Germany in 2007.
(a) Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH, Radeberg
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Spices and herbs |
206 |
< 10 |
Dried vegetables |
24 |
< 10 |
Total |
230 |
|
121 ton of the irradiated products were exported to third countries.
(b) BGS/Beta-Gamma Service GmbH & Co. KG, Wiehl
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Spices and herbs |
21 |
10-13 |
Dried vegetables |
18 |
10-32 |
Total |
39 |
|
All irradiated products were exported to third countries.
(c) Isotron Deutschland GmbH, Allershausen
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Vegetables |
61 |
5-10 |
Spices and herbs |
1 |
5-10 |
Total |
62 |
|
All irradiated products were exported to third countries.
(d) Beta-Gamma-Service Gmbh & Co. KG, Bruchsal
No products were irradiated in this facility in 2007.
2.5. Spain
In Spain, there are two facilities approved for the irradiation of food and food ingredients. Inspections by the competent authorities in 2007 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.
(a) Ionmed Esterilización, SA
The following table shows the categories and quantities of products irradiated in this facility in 2007.
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings |
216 |
< 10 |
Total |
216 |
|
(b) Aragogamma, SA
No products were irradiated in this facility in 2007.
2.6. France
In France, six facilities are approved for the irradiation of foods. Inspections by the competent authorities in 2007 confirmed the compliance of five irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC. One facility was given comments concerning the control of the irradiation doses and the status of the products before and after treatment.
The facility of Ionisos SA, Domaine de Corbeville, 91400 Orsay, (reference 91471 F) did not irradiate food and food ingredients during 2007. This facility has been closed.
The following table shows the categories and quantities of products irradiated in the facilities in 2007.
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Poultry |
1 239 |
5 |
Frozen frog legs |
687 |
5 |
Gum arabic |
131 |
3 |
Herbs, spices and dried vegetables |
60 |
10 |
Casein |
22 |
6 |
Total |
2 139 |
|
2.7. Hungary
In Hungary, there is one facility approved for the irradiation of foods. According to the official inspection made by the competent authority (Hungarian Agricultural Office) in 2007 the irradiation facility AGROSTER Besugárzó Rt. (Budapest, Jászberényi út 5.) was in compliance with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.
The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2007.
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Spices, spice peppers |
5,9 |
4-6 |
Dehydrated products |
0,5 |
3-4 |
Herbs |
14,5 |
3-6 |
Total |
20,9 |
|
2.8. Italy
The only approved irradiation facility in Italy, Gammarad Italia Spa, was inspected with favourable outcome. During 2007, no food and food ingredients have been irradiated in this irradiation facility.
2.9. The Netherlands
The competent authorities confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC in 2007.
From 1 January 2007 until 31 December 2007, Isotron NL treated a total of 2 323 tonnes of food and food ingredients in their two facilities in the cities of Ede and Etten-Leur. The following tables show the categories and quantities of products irradiated in these two facilities in 2007.
(a) Isotron NL — irradiation facility in Ede
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Spices/Herbs |
753 |
NI |
Frog legs |
197 |
NI |
Poultry meat (frozen) |
154 |
NI |
Dehydrated vegetables |
88 |
NI |
Egg white |
70 |
NI |
Shrimps (frozen) |
45 |
NI |
Food Samples |
10 |
NI |
Total |
1 317 |
|
(NI: no information forwarded on this point). |
(b) Isotron NL — irradiation facility in Etten-Leur
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Dried vegetables |
791 |
NI |
Frog legs |
146 |
NI |
Spices/Herbs |
48 |
NI |
Poultry meat (frozen) |
21 |
NI |
Total |
1 006 |
|
(NI: no information forwarded on this point). |
2.10. Poland
In Poland, there are two approved irradiation facilities. The following table show the category and quantity of foods irradiated in 2007 in one facility.
(a) Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw
Category of products |
Treated quantity (t) |
Average absorbed dose (kGy) |
Dry spices, dried flavoured herbs, vegetable spices |
269 |
7-10 |
Total |
269 |
|
(b) Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz
No information has been forwarded regarding this irradiation facility.
2.11. Portugal
No information has been forwarded by Portugal.
2.12. Romania
In Romania there is only one approved irradiation facility which is IRASM Center from Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering. The source of ionising radiation is Gamma rays 60Co. The facility is authorised by National Commission for Nuclear Activities. The IRASM facility did not irradiate any food/food ingredient during 2007.
2.13. The United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there is one facility approved for the irradiation of foods. The facility did not irradiate any food under the terms of its licence in 2007.
2.14. Summarising table for the EU
The following table summarises the quantities of foodstuffs (in tonnes) treated by ionising radiation in approved irradiation facilities within the European Union.
Category of products |
BE |
CZ |
DE |
ES |
FR |
HU |
NL |
PL |
Total |
% |
Casein |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
0,27 |
Dehydrated blood |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
16 |
0,20 |
Egg powder |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0,09 |
Egg white |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
70 |
0 |
70 |
0,86 |
Fish & Shellfish |
258 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
45 |
0 |
303 |
3,72 |
Food Samples |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0,12 |
Frog legs/parts |
1 521 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
687 |
0 |
343 |
0 |
2 551 |
31,29 |
Gum arabic |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
131 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
131 |
1,61 |
Herbs, Spices |
139 |
55 |
228 |
216 |
60 |
21 |
801 |
269 |
1 789 |
21,94 |
Meat |
445 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
445 |
5,46 |
Poultry |
282 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 239 |
0 |
175 |
0 |
1 696 |
20,80 |
Starch |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
0,13 |
Vegetables |
12 |
0 |
103 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
879 |
0 |
994 |
12,19 |
Other |
108 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
109 |
1,34 |
Total |
2 799 |
55 |
331 |
216 |
2 139 |
22 |
2 323 |
269 |
8 154 |
|
% of total |
34,33 |
0,67 |
4,06 |
2,65 |
26,23 |
0,27 |
28,49 |
3,30 |
100,00 |
|
3. RESULTS OF CHECKS CARRIED OUT AT THE PRODUCT MARKETING STAGE AND THE METHODS USED TO DETECT TREATMENT WITH IONISING RADIATION
Regarding the results of the checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect treatment with ionising radiation, the Member States submitted the following information.
3.1. Austria
In total, 115 samples were analysed. In none of these samples treatment with ionising radiation could be demonstrated.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 115 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Herbs & Spices |
39 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Herbal teas |
38 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Poultry |
38 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786 |
Total |
115 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.2. Belgium
In total, 89 samples were analysed. One sample was found to be irradiated.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 89 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Instant noodles |
21 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788 (6) |
Crustaceans and molluscs |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Frozen herbs |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Shrimps |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dried vegetables |
11 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fruit |
11 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
88 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
98,88 % |
00,00 % |
1,12 % |
|
3.3. Bulgaria
No information on checks regarding food irradiation has been forwarded by Bulgaria for 2007.
3.4. Cyprus
No analytical checks regarding food irradiation were performed in 2007.
3.5. Czech Republic
In total, 60 samples were analysed. Two samples were found to be non-compliant (positive for irradiation and incorrectly labelled).
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 60 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Fresh fruits |
15 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788/EN 1785 |
Spices |
12 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Food supplements |
8 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788 |
Fish and shellfish |
7 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1785 |
Herbal tea products |
5 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Instant noodles |
3 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788/EN 1785 |
Poultry |
6 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1785 |
Shrimps |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1785 |
Total |
58 |
0 |
2 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
96,67 % |
00,00 % |
3,33 % |
|
3.6. Germany
In total 3 744 food samples were examined of which 77 were irradiated. Two samples were irradiated and compliant with the EU Directives: one sample belonging to the category ‘Spices and herbs’ and one sample belonging to the category ‘Soups, sauces, instant noodles’. The remaining 75 irradiated samples were non-compliant:
— |
twenty-one samples belong to categories for which irradiation is authorised but showed non-compliant labelling, |
— |
thirty-four samples belong to categories for which irradiation is not authorised, |
— |
twenty samples (mostly noodles and dried soups) were irradiated, however it could not be determined which of the ingredients in these compound foods were irradiated in order to find out if the irradiation is authorised. |
The categories with the highest percentages of non-compliant samples were food supplements, (16 %) and soups and sauces (11 %).
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 3744 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Spices and herbs |
1 022 |
0 |
2 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Teas, tea-like products |
328 |
3 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Seasoning |
288 |
0 |
2 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Soups, sauces, instant noodles |
239 |
12 |
17 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Crustaceans, shellfish, other aquatic animals including their products |
180 |
1 |
2 |
EN 1786, EN 1788, EN 13751 (7) |
Fresh fruits |
174 |
0 |
2 |
EN 1784, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Pulses, nuts & oil seeds |
162 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products |
149 |
0 |
5 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Food supplements |
147 |
4 |
23 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Dried fruits or fruit products |
134 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788, EN 13708 (7) |
Fish & fisheries products |
130 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1788 |
Cereals and cereal products |
93 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Dried vegetables, vegetable products |
88 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 (7) |
Poultry |
75 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784, EN 1786, EN 1788 |
Ready-to-serve meals |
72 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1786, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Sausages |
67 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784, EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Fresh vegetables |
52 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Mushrooms, fresh |
47 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Cheese with herbs |
46 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Potatoes, parts of plants with high content of starch |
42 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Meat products (ex. sausages) |
41 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784, EN 1786 |
Meat (except poultry, game) |
15 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1786 |
Cheese without herbs |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Butter with herbs |
10 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Cacao |
10 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787 |
Eggs & egg products |
9 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784, EN 1785 |
Milk/milk products |
8 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787 |
Coffee |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Other |
28 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Total |
3 669 |
20 |
55 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
98,00% |
0,53 % |
1,47 % |
|
3.7. Denmark
In 2007 no analytical controls were carried out regarding food irradiation at the marketing stage.
Danish undertakings are, however, obliged to carry out own-checks to ensure that the rules are complied with. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration have verified these self-monitoring activities through documentary checks.
3.8. Estonia
No analytical checks regarding food irradiation were performed in 2007.
In 2007 no analytical controls were carried out regarding food irradiation at the marketing stage in Estonia.
3.9. Greece
In total, 92 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 92 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Herbs and spices |
81 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 (PPSL) |
Cacao |
8 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 (PPSL) |
Cereals |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 (PPSL) |
Dried soup |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 (PPSL) |
Total |
92 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.10. Spain
In total, 130 samples were analysed, tree of which tested positive for irradiation. All non-compliant samples were frog legs.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 130 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Herbs and spices |
88 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Dried fruits |
25 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 13708 |
Fish, crustaceans and other aquatic animals |
9 |
0 |
3 |
EN 1786 |
Vegetables |
5 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Total |
127 |
0 |
3 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
97,70 % |
00,00 % |
2,30 % |
|
3.11. Finland
Altogether 94 samples were analysed. Five samples tested positive and were not labelled.
None positive samples were adequately labelled and the irradiation facilities had no EU approval.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 94 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dried spices and herbs |
73 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Food supplements |
17 |
0 |
4 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Berries |
4 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Total |
89 |
0 |
5 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
94,68 % |
00,00 % |
5,32 % |
|
3.12. France
In total, 117 samples of food were analysed and six samples tested positive for irradiation and were not correctly labelled.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 117 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dried fruits |
19 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Potatoes |
12 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Dehydrated soups and sauces |
11 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Vegetables |
10 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Instant noodles |
9 |
0 |
3 |
EN 1788 |
Nuts |
9 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Shellfish |
7 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788 |
Chestnuts |
6 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Mechanically recovered poultry meat |
6 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Frozen frog legs |
5 |
0 |
2 |
EN 1788 |
Tea |
5 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Cereal flakes for dairy products |
4 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Ginger |
4 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Dried fish |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Spices |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Total |
111 |
0 |
6 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
94,87 % |
00,00 % |
5,13 % |
|
3.13. Hungary
In total, 139 samples were analysed and one sample tested positive for irradiation.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 139 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Spices |
49 |
10 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Tea |
43 |
2 |
1 (8) |
|
Food supplements |
26 |
8 |
0 |
|
Total |
118 |
20 |
1 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
84,89 % |
14,39 % |
0,72 % |
|
3.14. Ireland
Analysis of 580 food samples in 2007 identified 21 foods that had been irradiated but were not carrying the required labelling.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 580 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Herbs & spices |
217 |
0 |
5 |
EN 13751 (screening), EN 1788 (confirmation) |
Coffees & teas |
115 |
0 |
0 |
|
Noodles |
66 |
0 |
4 |
|
Fruit & vegetables |
42 |
0 |
2 |
|
Sauces & soups |
25 |
0 |
0 |
|
Seasonings & Stocks |
22 |
0 |
2 |
|
Goji berry products |
14 |
0 |
4 |
|
Seeds |
13 |
0 |
0 |
|
Food supplements |
12 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cereals & bakery products |
7 |
0 |
1 |
|
Miscellaneous |
26 |
0 |
2 |
|
Total |
559 |
0 |
21 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
96,38 % |
00,00 % |
3,62 % |
|
3.15. Italy
105 samples were analysed. None of these samples were found to be irradiated. The results were inconclusive in 11 cases.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 105 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Spices, aromatic herbs & vegetable extracts |
79 |
11 |
0 |
EN 13783, EN 1788 |
Bulb vegetables |
7 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783 |
Dried fruits |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783 |
Miscellaneous fruits |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783 |
Mixtures of herbs |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783 |
Nuts |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783 |
Total |
94 |
11 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
89,52 % |
10,48 % |
0,00 % |
|
3.16. Latvia
Two samples have been taken; both samples were found compliant with EU legislation.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 2 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dry soup for fast preparation |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788 |
Herbal tea |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
0,00 % |
0,00 % |
|
3.17. Lithuania
89 samples were tested, all samples were compliant.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 89 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dry aromatic herbs, samples of tea, samples of spices |
89 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13783:2004 |
Total |
89 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.18. Luxembourg
In total, 20 samples of food supplements were analysed. Six samples were found to be irradiated. The results were inconclusive in six cases.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 20 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Food supplements |
8 |
6 |
6 |
EN 1788 |
Total |
8 |
6 |
6 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
40,00 % |
30,00 % |
30,00 % |
|
3.19. Malta
In total, 25 samples of herbs and spices were analysed. Twenty-one samples were found to be irradiated but were not labelled as such.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 25 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Herbs & Spices |
4 |
0 |
21 |
EN 13751 |
Total |
4 |
0 |
21 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
16,00 % |
0,00 % |
84,00 % |
|
3.20. The Netherlands
In 2007, 416 samples were taken and analysed. 33 samples proved to be irradiated. Three of the irradiated samples, all dietary supplements, were correctly labelled as such.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 416 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Food supplements |
201 |
0 |
29 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Herbs and spices |
185 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Total |
386 |
0 |
30 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
92,79 % |
00,00 % |
7,21 % |
|
3.21. Poland
In total, 150 samples were analysed and one of these tested positive for irradiation and was not correctly labelled.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 150 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings |
66 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Nuts including peanuts |
25 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Vegetables |
20 |
0 |
1 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Fruits |
19 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Fish and shellfish |
13 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Poultry and poultry products, egg and egg products |
7 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
Total |
149 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
99,33 % |
00,00 % |
0,67 % |
|
3.22. Portugal
No information has been forwarded by Portugal.
3.23. Romania
In 2007 documentary checks (including labelling) of foodstuffs (dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings) were performed in 2014 retail shops. All controlled foodstuffs were not labelled as irradiated. No analytical checks regarding food irradiation were performed in 2007.
3.24. Sweden
During the year 2007, a total six samples were analysed: meat from bison, ptarmigan, frog, crocodile, and two different kind of cheese. The method used to analyse irradiated food is according to EN 1784. None of the samples were irradiated.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 6 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Meat |
4 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Cheese |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Total |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.25. Slovak Republic
In total, 41 samples were analysed during 2007 in the Slovak republic, none of which tested positive for irradiation.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 41 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Peanuts & other nuts |
25 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Cheese |
12 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Meat (chicken, duck) |
3 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Poppy seed |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1784 |
Total |
41 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.26. Slovenia
Twenty samples were checked for ionising radiation treatment. None of the samples were irradiated.
Food analysed |
Number of samples: 20 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Spices |
10 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Food supplements |
10 |
0 |
0 |
EN 1788, EN 13751 |
Total |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
100,00 % |
00,00 % |
00,00 % |
|
3.27. The United Kingdom
In 2007, 407 products were sampled. A number of these products were analysed as separate components (e.g. noodles and their accompanying seasoning sachet) and each part treated as an individual sample. Therefore, a total of 429 samples were analysed, of which 48 were found to be irradiated. The samples reported as ‘inconclusive’ were identified as intermediate using CEN method EN 13751:2002 and were not analysed further; or were samples of ‘low sensitivity’ such that the mineral grain fraction of the samples was insufficient to carry out accurate analysis.
Food analysed |
Number of products sampled: 407 Number of analysed samples: 429 |
CEN method used |
||
Compliant |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant |
||
Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings |
163 |
18 |
6 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Food supplements |
83 |
7 |
31 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Noodles and dehydrated Asian meals |
30 |
2 |
4 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Fresh and preserved (other than dried) herbs and spices |
27 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Fruit (including fresh and dried) |
23 |
0 |
1 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Teas |
14 |
0 |
3 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Mushrooms |
7 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Fish/seafood (dried shrimps) |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Sauces (liquid/frozen) |
2 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Dried meat |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Honey and other bee products |
1 |
0 |
3 |
EN 13751, EN 1778 |
Vegetables (dried onions) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
EN 13751 |
Total |
354 |
27 |
48 |
|
Total in % of analysed samples |
82,52 % |
6,29 % |
11,19 % |
|
3.28. Summary for the EU
The following table summarises the samples analysed and the results obtained for the EU as a whole:
Member State |
Compliant samples |
Inconclusive |
Non-compliant samples |
Total samples |
% versus EU total samples |
AT |
115 |
0 |
0 |
115 |
1,78 |
BE |
88 |
0 |
1 |
89 |
1,38 |
BG |
NI |
NI |
NI |
NI |
NI |
CY |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
CZ |
58 |
0 |
2 |
60 |
0,93 |
DE |
3 669 |
20 |
55 |
3 744 |
57,93 |
DK |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
EE |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
EL |
92 |
0 |
0 |
92 |
1,42 |
ES |
127 |
0 |
3 |
130 |
2,01 |
FI |
89 |
0 |
5 |
94 |
1,45 |
FR |
111 |
0 |
6 |
117 |
1,81 |
HU |
118 |
20 |
1 |
139 |
2,15 |
IE |
559 |
0 |
21 |
580 |
8,97 |
IT |
94 |
11 |
0 |
105 |
1,62 |
LV |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0,03 |
LT |
89 |
0 |
0 |
89 |
1,38 |
LU |
8 |
6 |
6 |
20 |
0,31 |
MT |
4 |
0 |
21 |
25 |
0,39 |
NL |
383 |
0 |
33 |
416 |
6,44 |
PL |
149 |
0 |
1 |
150 |
2,32 |
PT |
NI |
NI |
NI |
NI |
NI |
RO |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
NAC |
SE |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0,09 |
SK |
41 |
0 |
0 |
41 |
0,63 |
SI |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0,31 |
UK |
354 |
27 |
48 |
429 |
6,64 |
TOTAL EU |
6 176 |
84 |
203 |
6 463 |
|
IN % |
95,56 |
1,30 |
3,14 |
|
|
NI: No information has been forwarded by the Member State. NAC: No analytical checks were performed in 2007. |
4. SUMMARY
The current report covers the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. It contains a compilation of the information forwarded to the Commission by 25 Member States.
Based on the information received, 22 approved irradiation facilities were operational in 11 Member States in accordance with Article 7(2) of Directive 1999/2/EC. One approved irradiation facility has been closed. No new irradiation facilities were approved during 2007, but one irradiation facility was added to the list due to the accession of Romania and Bulgaria. Six irradiation facilities did not irradiate any food or food ingredients during 2007; information on one irradiation facility was not forwarded.
During 2007, a total quantity of 8 154 tonnes of products was treated with ionising irradiation in 16 approved irradiation facilities in eight Member States. 89,29 % were irradiated in three Member States: Belgium (34,33 %), the Netherlands (28,49 %) and France (26,23 %). The three biggest fractions within the irradiated categories were frog legs (31,29 %), herbs & spices (21,94 %) and poultry (20,80 %).
Regarding the checks carried out at the product marketing stage, 25 out of 27 Member States submitted information. Four Member States performed no analytical checks in official control and inspection. One of these Member States signalled that under its national legislation food business operator should carry out own checks to ensure that rules on food irradiation are complied with.
A total of 6 463 samples were taken by 21 Member States. 6 176 samples (95,56 %) were compliant with the provisions of the Directives. 203 samples (3,14 %) were non-compliant. Reasons for non-compliance most often related to incorrect labelling and irradiation of categories for which this is not authorised. Eighty-four samples (1,30 %) gave inconclusive results. This mainly occurred in mixtures of ingredients where it sometimes impossible to determine which of the ingredients were irradiated in order to find out if the irradiation was authorised.
(1) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16.
(2) http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/index_en.htm
(3) OJ C 187, 7.8.2003, p. 13.
(4) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 24.
(5) OJ C 112, 12.5.2006, p. 6.
(6) Thermoluminescence derived from EN 1788 is used to detect irradiation.
(7) Other methods (e.g. electron paramagnetic resonance) are also used to detect irradiation.
(8) The sample of tea positive for irradiation was labelled as such, however irradiation of tea is not authorised in Hungary.