# C_2008282EN.01000301.xml

| 6.11.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 282/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.11.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 282/3

---

Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2006

(2008/C 282/04)

SUMMARY

Under 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), the Member States have to forward to the Commission every year:

1

| — | the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of products treated and the dose administered,
  and |
| --- | --- |

—

the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of products treated and the dose administered,

and

| — | the results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect irradiated foods. |
| --- | --- |

—

the results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect irradiated foods.

In 2006, irradiation facilities had approval in 10 Member States. All these Member States provided the information required with respect to food categories treated, quantities or doses. In the European Union 15 058 tonnes of food were irradiated during 2006.

18 Member States reported checks on foods placed on the market. In total, 6 386 food samples were checked in 2006. 3,3 % of products on the market were found to be illegally irradiated and/or not labelled.

The infringements are unevenly distributed over product categories. The category of products for which relatively most incompliance have been found are food supplements (in Germany, Finland and the United Kingdom) and soups and sauces (Germany). The number of non-compliants samples in the category ‘Asian noodle snacks’ found in Germany has significantly decreased (from 37 % in 2005 to 5 % in 2006).

Differences between Member States regarding the results of controls can partly be explained by the choice of samples and the performance of the analytical methods used.

1.   LEGAL BASIS AND BACKGROUND

Under Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC, the Member States are required to forward to the Commission every year:

| — | the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of products treated and the dose administered,
  and |
| --- | --- |

—

the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quantities of products treated and the dose administered,

and

| — | the results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect irradiated foods. |
| --- | --- |

—

the results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect irradiated foods.

The Commission publishes the results in annual reports in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

This report covers the period from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006.

Information on general aspects of food irradiation is available on the website of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Consumers (2).

2

1.1.   Irradiation facilities

Under Article 3(2) of Directive 1999/2/EC, food may be irradiated only in approved irradiation facilities. For facilities in the EU, approval is given by the competent authorities of the Member States (2). The Member States have to inform the Commission of their approved irradiation facilities (Article 7(1)).

2

The list of authorised facilities in the Member States has been published by the Commission (3).

3

1.2.   Irradiated foods

The irradiation of dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings is authorised in the EU (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, 7 Member States have notified that they maintain national authorisations for certain foods in accordance with Article 4(4) of Directive 1999/2/EC. The list of national authorisations has been published by the Commission (5).

4

5

Under Article 6 of Directive 1999/2/EC, any irradiated food or any irradiated food ingredient of a compound food must be labelled with the words ‘irradiated’ or ‘treated with ionising radiation’.

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

Details of the facilities in the Member states can be found at the Commission website:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/approved_facilities_en.pdf

The Member States submitted the following information:

2.1.   Belgium

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 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 foods irradiated in this facility in 2006.

| Food | Amount
  (t) |
| --- | --- |
| Frog legs | 2 784,3 |
| Fish and shellfish | 504,4 |
| Herbs and spices | 433,2 |
| Poultry | 295,5 |
| Meat | 224,6 |
| Eggs poudre | 167,2 |
| Vegetables | 73,2 |
| Dehydrated blood | 30,0 |
| Gum Arabic | 17,7 |
| Dried fruits | 1,1 |
| Others | 949,4 |
| Total | 5 480,6 |

Food

Amount

(t)

Frog legs

2 784,3

Fish and shellfish

504,4

Herbs and spices

433,2

Poultry

295,5

Meat

224,6

Eggs poudre

167,2

Vegetables

73,2

Dehydrated blood

30,0

Gum Arabic

17,7

Dried fruits

1,1

Others

949,4

Total

5 480,6

2.2.   Czech Republic

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility Artim spol.s.r.o. with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2006.

| Food | Amount
  (t) | Overall average absorbed radiation dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 79,5 | 5-10 |
| Total | 79,5 | |

Food

Amount

(t)

Overall average absorbed radiation dose

(kGy)

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

79,5

5-10

Total

79,5

2.3.   Germany

During the reporting period, there were five approved irradiation facilities in Germany:

(a)   Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH, Radeberg

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices and herbs | 168,7 | <10 |
| Dried vegetables | 69,3 | <10 |
| Total | 238,0 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Spices and herbs

168,7

<10

Dried vegetables

69,3

<10

Total

238,0

71,3 tonnes of the foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries.

(b)   BGS/Beta-Gamma Service GmbH & Co. KG, Wiehl

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation in the two facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in these facilities in 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices and herbs | 4,5 | 4-10 |
| Fresh vegetables | 3,4 | 6-10 |
| Dried vegetables | 9,9 | 6-9 |
| Total | 17,8 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Spices and herbs

4,5

4-10

Fresh vegetables

3,4

6-10

Dried vegetables

9,9

6-9

Total

17,8

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries.

(c)   Isotron Deutschland GmbH, Allershausen

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices and herbs | 64,3 | 5-10 |
| Vegetables | 18,9 | 10 |
| Total | 83,2 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Spices and herbs

64,3

5-10

Vegetables

18,9

10

Total

83,2

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries.

(d)   Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH & Co. KG, Bruchsal

No food products were irradiated in this facility in 2006.

2.4.   Spain

In Spain, there are two facilities approved for the irradiation of foods.

(a)   Ionmed Esterilización, SA

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 290,6 | <10 |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

290,6

<10

(b)   Aragogamma, SA

No food products were irradiated in this facility in 2006.

2.5.   France

In France, there are six facilities approved for the irradiation of foods. Inspections by the competent authorities in 2006 confirmed the compliance of 4 irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC. On two facilities comments were given concerning registration, the status of the products before treatment and the measurement of the irradiation doses.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in the facilities in 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Herbs, spices and dried vegetables | 110 | 10 |
| Gum arabic | 149 | 3 |
| Poultry | 1 780 | 5 |
| Frozen frog legs | 965 | 5 |
| Total | 3 004 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Herbs, spices and dried vegetables

110

10

Gum arabic

149

3

Poultry

1 780

5

Frozen frog legs

965

5

Total

3 004

2.6.   Hungary

According to the official inspection made by the competent authority in 2006, 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 2006.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices, spice peppers | 36,3 | 4-8 |
| Dehydrated products | 13,6 | 3-6 |
| Herbs | 75,0 | 3-8 |
| Total | 124,9 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Spices, spice peppers

36,3

4-8

Dehydrated products

13,6

3-6

Herbs

75,0

3-8

Total

124,9

2.7.   Italy

In Italy, there is one facility approved for the irradiation of foods. The Competent authority confirmed compliance of the facility Gammarad Italia SpA.

The following table shows the category and quantities of foods irradiated in 2006 in that facility.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dried aromatic herbs and vegetable condiments | 2,4 | 9 |
| Total | 2,4 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Dried aromatic herbs and vegetable condiments

2,4

9

Total

2,4

2.8.   The Netherlands

During 2006, Isotron NL treated the following products in their two production facilities in the cities of Ede and Etten-Leur. The numbers correspond to the number of boards, which have an average weight of 800 kg and an average volume of 2 m3. The item ‘Food’ concerns products which are allowed to be irradiated in the country of destination.

3

| | No of boards in Ede | No of boards in Etten-Leur |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices/Herbs | 1 175 | 242 |
| Dehydrated vegetables | 404 | 1 691 |
| Poultry meat (frozen) | 217 | 5 |
| Shrimps (cooled) | | 36 |
| Shrimps (frozen) | 65 | 0 |
| Frog parts | 216 | 84 |
| Egg white (cooled) | 160 | 0 |
| Food (6) | 670 | 1 353 |
| Samples food | 47 | 2 |
| Total | 3 023 | 3 377 |

No of boards in Ede

No of boards in Etten-Leur

Spices/Herbs

1 175

242

Dehydrated vegetables

404

1 691

Poultry meat (frozen)

217

5

Shrimps (cooled)

36

Shrimps (frozen)

65

0

Frog parts

216

84

Egg white (cooled)

160

0

Food (6)

6

670

1 353

Samples food

47

2

Total

3 023

3 377

The total number of boards treated in The Netherlands in 2006 was: 3 023 + 3 377 = 6 400; this corresponds to 5 120 tonnes of food products.

5 120 tonnes

2.9.   Poland

In Poland, there are two facilities approved for the irradiation of foods.

The following tables show the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in 2006 in these facilities.

Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dry spices, dried flavoured herbs, vegetable spices | 616,7 | 5-10 |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Dry spices, dried flavoured herbs, vegetable spices

616,7

5-10

Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices | 0,45 | 7-10 |
| Total | 0,45 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Spices

0,45

7-10

Total

0,45

2.10.   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 2006.

2.11.   Summary for the EU

10 Member States have facilities approved in accordance with Article 7(2) of Directive 1999/2/EC.

Nine Member States forwarded to the Commission the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, with the amounts of foods irradiated.

3.   RESULTS OF CHECKS CARRIED OUT AT THE PRODUCT MARKETING STAGE AND THE METHODS USED TO DETECT IRRADIATED FOODS

The Member States submitted the following information:

3.1.   Austria

138 samples were checked for ionising radiation treatment. None were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 138 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Basil | 3 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Oregano | 10 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Marjoram | 4 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Paprika | 10 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Pepper | 14 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Rosemary | 3 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Thyme | 5 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Herbal tea | 51 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 13751 |
| Chicken | 19 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Turkey | 6 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Duck | 10 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Goose | 3 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Total | 138 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 138

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Basil

3

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Oregano

10

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Marjoram

4

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Paprika

10

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Pepper

14

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Rosemary

3

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Thyme

5

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Herbal tea

51

0

EN 1788/EN 13751

Chicken

19

0

EN 1786

Turkey

6

0

EN 1786

Duck

10

0

EN 1786

Goose

3

0

EN 1786

Total

138

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.2.   Belgium

In total, 100 samples were analysed. One was found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 100 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled (origin) |
| Spices | 9 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dried fruit and vegetables | 21 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Fresh strawberries | 11 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 17 | 1 | |
| Shrimps | 22 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Crustaceans and molluscs | 19 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 99 | 1 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 99 | 1 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 100

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled (origin)

Spices

9

0

EN 1788

Dried fruit and vegetables

21

0

EN 1788

Fresh strawberries

11

0

EN 1788

Food supplements

17

1

Shrimps

22

0

EN 1788

Crustaceans and molluscs

19

0

EN 1788

Total

99

1

Total in % of analysed samples

99

1

3.3.   Cyprus

In 2006, no analytical controls were carried out regarding food irradiation at the marketing stage.

3.4.   Czech Republic

In total, 115 samples were analysed. 4 samples were positive for irradiation and were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 115 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices | 22 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Herbal tea products | 13 | 1 | EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 7 | 2 (7) | EN 1788 |
| Instant noodles | 9 | 1 (8) | EN 1788 |
| Fresh fruits | 30 | 0 | EN 1788/EN 1785 |
| Poultry | 15 | 0 | EN 1785 |
| Fish and shellfish | 12 | 0 | EN 1785 |
| Shrimps | 3 | 0 | EN 1785 |
| Total | 111 | 4 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 96,5 | 3,5 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 115

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices

22

0

EN 1788

Herbal tea products

13

1

EN 1788

Food supplements

7

2 (7)

7

EN 1788

Instant noodles

9

1 (8)

8

EN 1788

Fresh fruits

30

0

EN 1788/EN 1785

Poultry

15

0

EN 1785

Fish and shellfish

12

0

EN 1785

Shrimps

3

0

EN 1785

Total

111

4

Total in % of analysed samples

96,5

3,5

3.5.   Germany

In total 4 137 food samples were examined of which 71 were irradiated of which 5 were compliant and 66, i.e. 1,6 %, were not compliant:

| — | 23 samples belong to foodstuffs for which irradiation is authorised however they were incorrectly labelled, |
| --- | --- |

—

23 samples belong to foodstuffs for which irradiation is authorised however they were incorrectly labelled,

| — | 41 samples belong to food categories for which irradiation is not authorised and in addition were not labelled, |
| --- | --- |

—

41 samples belong to food categories for which irradiation is not authorised and in addition were not labelled,

| — | 2 samples were labelled to be irradiated, however irradiation is not authorised. |
| --- | --- |

—

2 samples were labelled to be irradiated, however irradiation is not authorised.

The categories with the highest percentages of non-compliant samples were food supplements (11 %) and soups and sauces (9 %). The number of non-compliant samples in the category ‘Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks’ has significantly decreased (from 37 % in 2005 to 5 % in 2006).

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 4 137 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, but irradiation unauthorised and/or not correctly labelled |
| Milk/milk products | 41 | 0 | EN 1375; EN 1784; EN 1785; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Cheese with herbs | 58 | 0 | EN 1787; EN 1788; EN 1788 mod.; EN 13751 |
| Butter with herbs | 29 | 0 | EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Eggs, egg products | 6 | 0 | EN 1784 |
| Meat (including frozen meat, except poultry, game) | 18 | 0 | EN 1784; EN 1786 |
| Meat products (except sausages) | 39 | 0 | EN 1784; EN 1786 |
| Sausages | 58 | 0 | EN 1784; EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Poultry | 141 | 0 | EN 1784 mod.; EN 1786 |
| Game | 12 | 0 | EN 1784; EN 1786 |
| Fish and fisheries products | 140 | 0 | L 00.00 41 ESR; EN 1784 mod., EN 1786; EN 1788 |
| Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels and other aquatic animals including their products | 258 | 4 | EN 1786; ASU analog § 64 LFGB L 12.01; EN 13751; § 64 LFGB L 53.00-3, L 00.00-42 |
| Pulses | 47 | 0 | EN 1787, EN 1788 |
| Soups, sauces | 175 | 18 | EN 1375, EN 1784; EN 1785; EN 1787; EN 1788; PSL, EN 13751 |
| Cereals and ceral products | 34 | 0 | EN 13708; § 64 L 00.00-43, EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Oil seeds | 52 | 0 | EN 1784; EN 1788 |
| Nuts | 102 | 0 | EN 1375; EN 1784; EN 1784 mod.; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Potatoes, parts of plants with high content of starch | 56 | 0 | EN 13751; EN 1788 |
| Fresh vegetables, salad | 72 | 0 | EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Dried vegetables, vegetable products | 78 | 2 | EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Mushrooms, fresh | 18 | 0 | EN 1788; EN 1375 |
| Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products | 199 | 5 | EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Fresh fruits | 109 | 0 | EN 1787; EN 1788; EN 1784 |
| Dried fruits or fruit products | 200 | 0 | EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Cacao powder | 11 | 0 | |
| Kaffee, raw | 5 | | EN 13751, EN 1788 |
| Teas, tea-like products | 431 | 3 | EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788, § 64 L 00.00-43 |
| Ready-to-serve meals | 21 | 0 | EN 13751; EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt | 1 339 | 16 | EN 13751; EN 1784; EN 1787; EN 1788 PSL, § 64 L 00.00-43 |
| Herbs | 84 | 0 | EN 13751, EN 1787, EN 1788 |
| Dry prepared meals | 43 | 1 | EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788, § 64 L 00.00-43 |
| Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks | 82 | 4 | EN 1788; PSL |
| Food supplements | 87 | 11 | EN 13751; EN 13708, EN 1787; EN 1788; § 64 L 00.00-43 |
| Other | 21 | 1 | EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Total | 4 066 | 66 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 98,4 | 1,6 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 4 137

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, but irradiation unauthorised and/or not correctly labelled

Milk/milk products

41

0

EN 1375; EN 1784; EN 1785; EN 1787; EN 1788

Cheese with herbs

58

0

EN 1787; EN 1788; EN 1788 mod.; EN 13751

Butter with herbs

29

0

EN 1787; EN 1788

Eggs, egg products

6

0

EN 1784

Meat (including frozen meat, except poultry, game)

18

0

EN 1784; EN 1786

Meat products (except sausages)

39

0

EN 1784; EN 1786

Sausages

58

0

EN 1784; EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Poultry

141

0

EN 1784 mod.; EN 1786

Game

12

0

EN 1784; EN 1786

Fish and fisheries products

140

0

L 00.00 41 ESR; EN 1784 mod., EN 1786; EN 1788

Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels and other aquatic animals including their products

258

4

EN 1786; ASU analog § 64 LFGB L 12.01; EN 13751; § 64 LFGB L 53.00-3, L 00.00-42

Pulses

47

0

EN 1787, EN 1788

Soups, sauces

175

18

EN 1375, EN 1784; EN 1785; EN 1787; EN 1788; PSL, EN 13751

Cereals and ceral products

34

0

EN 13708; § 64 L 00.00-43, EN 1787; EN 1788

Oil seeds

52

0

EN 1784; EN 1788

Nuts

102

0

EN 1375; EN 1784; EN 1784 mod.; EN 1787; EN 1788

Potatoes, parts of plants with high content of starch

56

0

EN 13751; EN 1788

Fresh vegetables, salad

72

0

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

Dried vegetables, vegetable products

78

2

EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

Mushrooms, fresh

18

0

EN 1788; EN 1375

Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products

199

5

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

Fresh fruits

109

0

EN 1787; EN 1788; EN 1784

Dried fruits or fruit products

200

0

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

Cacao powder

11

0

Kaffee, raw

5

EN 13751, EN 1788

Teas, tea-like products

431

3

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788, § 64 L 00.00-43

Ready-to-serve meals

21

0

EN 13751; EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt

1 339

16

EN 13751; EN 1784; EN 1787; EN 1788 PSL, § 64 L 00.00-43

Herbs

84

0

EN 13751, EN 1787, EN 1788

Dry prepared meals

43

1

EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788, § 64 L 00.00-43

Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks

82

4

EN 1788; PSL

Food supplements

87

11

EN 13751; EN 13708, EN 1787; EN 1788; § 64 L 00.00-43

Other

21

1

EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

Total

4 066

66

Total in % of analysed samples

98,4

1,6

5 samples were irradiated and compliant with the EU Directives: 2 samples belonging to the category ‘Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels and other aquatic animals including their products’ and 3 samples belonging to the category ‘Soups and sauces’.

3.6.   Denmark

In 2006 no analytical controls were carried out regarding food irradiation at the marketing stage.

3.7.   Estonia

In total, 10 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 10 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices | 5 | 0 | PSL, EN 13751 |
| Tea | 5 | 0 | PSL, EN 13751 |
| Total | 10 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 10

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices

5

0

PSL, EN 13751

Tea

5

0

PSL, EN 13751

Total

10

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.8.   Greece

In total, 3 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 3 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Herbs and spices | 2 | 0 | EN 13751 (PSL) |
| Tea | 1 | 0 | EN 13751 (PSL) |
| Total | 3 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 3

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Herbs and spices

2

0

EN 13751 (PSL)

Tea

1

0

EN 13751 (PSL)

Total

3

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.9.   Spain

In 2006, no analytical controls were carried out regarding food irradiation at the marketing stage.

3.10.   Finland

In total, 246 samples were analysed. A total of 158 samples of dried spices and herbs were analysed of which 19 samples were found to contain irradiated material. Out of the 77 food supplements analyzed, and 10 contained irradiated material. Of the 11 samples of seafood products, 1 contained irradiated material.

None of the irradiated products were adequately labelled and the irradiation facilities where they were treated were not EU approved.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 246 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Dried spices and herbs | 139 | 19 | EN 13751; EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 67 | 10 | EN 13751; EN 1788 |
| Seafood products | 10 | 1 | |
| Total | 216 | 30 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 88 | 12 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 246

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Dried spices and herbs

139

19

EN 13751; EN 1788

Food supplements

67

10

EN 13751; EN 1788

Seafood products

10

1

Total

216

30

Total in % of analysed samples

88

12

3.11.   France

In total, 216 samples were analysed and 32 samples tested positive for irradiation and were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 216 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Frozen snail meat | 2 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dried mushrooms | 71 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Vegetable based food supplements | 11 | 5 | EN 1788 |
| Crustaceans and shellfish | 45 | 24 | EN 1788 |
| Frogs legs | 3 | 2 | EN 1788 |
| Dried fruit | 1 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Spices and herbs | 16 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dried vegetables and derivates | 13 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Small red fruit and other berries | 4 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dehydrated asian noodle snacks | 14 | 1 | EN 1788 |
| Shrimps | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dried, grated coconut pulp | 3 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Tea and infusions | 1 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 184 | 32 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 85 | 15 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 216

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Frozen snail meat

2

0

EN 1788

Dried mushrooms

71

0

EN 1788

Vegetable based food supplements

11

5

EN 1788

Crustaceans and shellfish

45

24

EN 1788

Frogs legs

3

2

EN 1788

Dried fruit

1

0

EN 1788

Spices and herbs

16

0

EN 1788

Dried vegetables and derivates

13

0

EN 1788

Small red fruit and other berries

4

0

EN 1788

Dehydrated asian noodle snacks

14

1

EN 1788

Shrimps

10

0

EN 1788

Dried, grated coconut pulp

3

0

EN 1788

Tea and infusions

1

0

EN 1788

Total

184

32

Total in % of analysed samples

85

15

Of the 24 non-compliant crustaceans and shellfish samples, 22 concerned shrimp tail samples taken form at the same company.

3.12.   Hungary

In total, 104 samples were analysed and 2 samples tested positive for irradiation.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 104 |
| --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices | 80 | 1 |
| Tea | 23 | 0 |
| Food supplements | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 102 | 2 |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 98 | 2 |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 104

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices

80

1

Tea

23

0

Food supplements

1

1

Total

102

2

Total in % of analysed samples

98

2

3.13.   Ireland

In 2006, 452 samples were analysed. 13 samples tested positive for irradiation but were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 452 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Noodles | 107 | 1 | EN 13751 for screening, confirmation by EN 1788 |
| Sauces & soups | 10 | 0 |
| Seasonings/Stocks | 38 | 3 |
| Herbs & spices | 220 | 8 |
| Coffee and tea (including herbal teas) | 43 | 0 |
| Seeds | 13 | 0 |
| Cereal, bakery and yeast | 8 | 0 |
| Food supplements/vitamins | 9 | 1 |
| Fruit and vegetables | 1 | 0 |
| Miscellaneous | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 439 | 13 | |
| Total in % of total analysed | 97 % | 3 % | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 452

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Noodles

107

1

EN 13751 for screening, confirmation by EN 1788

Sauces & soups

10

0

Seasonings/Stocks

38

3

Herbs & spices

220

8

Coffee and tea (including herbal teas)

43

0

Seeds

13

0

Cereal, bakery and yeast

8

0

Food supplements/vitamins

9

1

Fruit and vegetables

1

0

Miscellaneous

3

0

Total

439

13

Total in % of total analysed

97 %

3 %

3.14.   Italy

In total, 66 samples were analysed and none were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 66 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts | 66 | 0 | EN 13784 |
| Total | 66 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 66 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 66

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts

66

0

EN 13784

Total

66

0

Total in % of analysed samples

66

0

3.15.   Latvia

No information has been forwarded by this Member State on the results of checks carried out at the marketplace.

3.16.   Lithuania

In total, 30 samples were analysed and 1 sample tested positive for irradiation.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 30 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Spices and herbs | 7 | 0 | LST EN 13783:2004 |
| Tea | 22 | 1 | LST EN 13783:2004 |
| Total | 29 | 1 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 3 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 30

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

7

0

LST EN 13783:2004

Tea

22

1

LST EN 13783:2004

Total

29

1

Total in % of analysed samples

100

3

3.17.   Luxembourg

In total, 20 samples were analysed and none were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 20 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Spices | 15 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Dried fruit | 1 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Tea | 4 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 20 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 20

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices

15

0

EN 1788

Dried fruit

1

0

EN 1788

Tea

4

0

EN 1788

Total

20

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.18.   Malta

No information has been forwarded by this Member State on the results of checks carried out at the marketplace.

3.19.   The Netherlands

No information has been forwarded by this Member State on the results of checks carried out at the marketplace.

3.20.   Poland

In total, 139 samples were analysed and 2 of these tested positive for irradiation and neither were correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 139 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 51 | 2 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Potatoes | 3 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Onion and garlic | 21 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Poultry | 1 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Unshelled nuts | 34 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Prawns, fish | 22 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Fresh fruits | 7 | 0 | EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788 |
| Total | 137 | 2 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 99 | 1 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 139

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

51

2

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Potatoes

3

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Onion and garlic

21

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Poultry

1

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Unshelled nuts

34

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Prawns, fish

22

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Fresh fruits

7

0

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

Total

137

2

Total in % of analysed samples

99

1

3.21.   Portugal

No information has been forwarded by this Member State on the results of checks carried out at the marketplace.

3.22.   Sweden

During the year 2006, 8 samples of mainly poultry meat were analysed according to CEN method EN 1784; none were irradiated.

3.23.   Slovakia

In total, 37 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 37 | Method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Pistachio, different kind of nuts | 18 | 0 | GC |
| Cheese | 17 | 0 | GC |
| Duck | 2 | 0 | GC |
| Total | 37 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 37

Method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Pistachio, different kind of nuts

18

0

GC

Cheese

17

0

GC

Duck

2

0

GC

Total

37

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.24.   Slovenia

During the year 2006, 40 samples were analysed and 3 food supplement samples were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 40 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: inconclusive | Result: irradiated |
| Spices and herbs | 10 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751 |
| Food supplements | 8 | 4 | 3 | EN 1788; EN 13751 |
| Dried soup mixes | 10 | 5 | 0 | EN 1788; EN 13751 |
| Total | 28 | 9 | 3 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 70 | 22,5 | 7,56 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: inconclusive

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

10

0

0

EN 13751

Food supplements

8

4

3

EN 1788; EN 13751

Dried soup mixes

10

5

0

EN 1788; EN 13751

Total

28

9

3

Total in % of analysed samples

70

22,5

7,56

3.25.   The United Kingdom

The Food Standards Agency is aware of 530 products that were sampled by United Kingdom local enforcement authorities in 2006 and analysed using standardised detection tests for irradiated food. Of these 530 samples, 49 (nine percent) 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 analysed samples: 530 | Method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: inconclusive | Result: irradiated |
| Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 253 | 22 | 20 | EN 13751; EN 1778 |
| Cous Cous and dried seasonings | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dried soup mixes | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Noodles and dried seasonings | 64 | 6 | 7 |
| Rice and dried seasonings | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Pasta and dried seasonings | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Sauces (liquid/frozen) | 14 | 1 | |
| Dried fruit | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Vegetables including onions | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Teas | 11 | 1 | 6 |
| Oil | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fish/seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Food supplements | 52 | 9 | 16 |
| Miscellaneous | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 439 | 42 | 49 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 83 | 8 | 9 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 530

Method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: inconclusive

Result: irradiated

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

253

22

20

EN 13751; EN 1778

Cous Cous and dried seasonings

3

0

0

Dried soup mixes

10

2

0

Noodles and dried seasonings

64

6

7

Rice and dried seasonings

3

1

0

Pasta and dried seasonings

2

0

0

Sauces (liquid/frozen)

14

1

Dried fruit

5

0

0

Vegetables including onions

9

0

0

Teas

11

1

6

Oil

4

0

0

Fish/seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns

4

0

0

Food supplements

52

9

16

Miscellaneous

5

0

0

Total

439

42

49

Total in % of analysed samples

83

8

9

3.26.   Summary for the EU

The following table summarises the samples analysed and the results obtained for the EU as a whole.

| Member State | Number of samples non-irradiated | Number of samples irradiated | % of samples irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AT | 138 | 0 | 0 |
| BE | 99 | 1 | 1 |
| CY | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| CZ | 111 | 4 | 3,5 |
| DE | 4 066 | 71 | 1,6 |
| DK | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| EE | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| EL | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| ES | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| FI | 216 | 30 | 12 |
| FR | 184 | 32 | 15 |
| HU | 102 | 2 | 2 |
| IE | 439 | 13 | 3 |
| IT | 66 | 0 | 0 |
| LV | NI | NI | NI |
| LT | 29 | 1 | 3 |
| LU | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| MT | NI | NI | NI |
| NL | NI | NI | NI |
| PL | 137 | 2 | 1 |
| PT | NI | NI | NI |
| SE | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| SK | 37 | 0 | 0 |
| SI | 28 (9) | 3 | 8 |
| UK | 439 (9) | 49 | 9 |
| Total | 6 134 | 203 | 3,3 |
| NI | : | No information has been forwarded by the Member State. |
| NAC | : | No analytical checks were performed in 2006. |

Member State

Number of samples non-irradiated

Number of samples irradiated

% of samples irradiated, not correctly labelled

AT

138

0

0

BE

99

1

1

CY

NAC

NAC

NAC

CZ

111

4

3,5

DE

4 066

71

1,6

DK

NAC

NAC

NAC

EE

10

0

0

EL

3

0

0

ES

NAC

NAC

NAC

FI

216

30

12

FR

184

32

15

HU

102

2

2

IE

439

13

3

IT

66

0

0

LV

NI

NI

NI

LT

29

1

3

LU

20

0

0

MT

NI

NI

NI

NL

NI

NI

NI

PL

137

2

1

PT

NI

NI

NI

SE

8

0

0

SK

37

0

0

SI

28 (9)

9

3

8

UK

439 (9)

9

49

9

Total

6 134

203

3,3

NI

:

No information has been forwarded by the Member State.

NAC

:

No analytical checks were performed in 2006.

4.   CONCLUSIONS

4.1.   Results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities

Directive 1999/2/EC requires the Member States to forward to the Commission the results of checks in irradiation facilities, the categories and quantities of foods irradiated and the doses applied.

In 2006, irradiation facilities had approval in 10 Member States.

All 10 Member States provided the information requested with respect to the food categories treated.

In the European Union, 15 058 tonnes of food were irradiated during 2006.

4.2.   Results of checks carried out at the product marketing stage

In 2006, 18 Member States performed analytical checks and submitted the requested data. Three Member States informed the Commission that they did not perform analytical checks during the period covered by the present report.

The information submitted shows that during 2006, 3,3 % of samples were illegally irradiated and/or not correctly labelled.

The infringements are unevenly distributed over product categories. In general, the most non-compliant products found to be on the market were food supplements (detected in Germany, Finland and the UK) and soups and sauces (detected in Germany). The number of irradiated ‘Asian noodle snacks’ found in Germany has significantly decreased (from 37 % in 2005 to 5 % in 2006).

The Commission expects Member States to continue to focus controls on these products and that Member States will take the appropriate measures.

Differences between Member States regarding the results of controls could partly be explained by the choice of the samples and the performance of the analytical methods used.

4.3.   Deadline for the submission of the results of checks for the 2007 report

The deadline for submitting to the Commission the results of checks performed in 2007, as required under Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC, is 30 June 2008.

---

(1)  OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16.

1

(2)  http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/index_en.htm

2

(3)  OJ C 187, 7.8.2003, p. 13.

3

(4)  OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 24.

4

(5)  OJ C 112, 12.5.2006, p. 6.

5

(6)  Products intended for exports to third countries.

6

(7)  Dried pressed herb.

7

(8)  Irradiated spice mixture.

8

(9)  Slovenia and the United Kingdom classified respectively 9 and 42 samples as inconclusive.

9

---