# C_2007122EN.01000301.xml

| 2.6.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 122/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.6.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/3

---

Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2005

(2007/C 122/03)

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 2005, irradiation facilities had approval in 10 Member States. Eight Member States provided the information requested with respect to food categories treated, quantities or doses. As a consequence, the precise amount of foods irradiated in the EU during 2005 is not known.

Seventeen Member States reported checks on foods placed on the market. In total, 7 011 food samples were checked in 2005. About 4 % of products on the market were found to be illegally irradiated and/or not labelled. Products from Asia accounted for most of the non-compliant samples. Only six of the 287 samples found to be irradiated complied with the Regulation.

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 2005 to 31 December 2005.

Information on general aspects of food irradiation is available on the website of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection (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, 6 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 2005 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility IBA Mediris S.A. with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC. The Company was however requested to establish a procedure to guarantee and prove that foodstuffs not authorised for irradiation in Belgium are exported.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2005.

| Food | Amount
  (t) (6) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shrimps | 541,4 | 5 |
| Frog legs | 3 225,7 | 5 |
| Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 217,8 | 6-9 |
| Frozen vegetables | 56,1 | 3 |
| Eggs | 665,1 | 2-3 |
| Poultry/Game | 883,9 | 3-5 |
| Meat | 213,7 | 3-5 |
| Fish | 118,2 | 3-7 |
| Dried fruits | 0,5 | 6-9 |
| Starch | 93,0 | 3 |
| Plasma | 46,4 | 6-9 |
| Prepared dishes | 75,3 | 3 |
| Dried vegetables | 112,8 | 6-9 |
| Gum Arabic | 0,5 | 5 |
| Others | 931,2 | 2-25 |
| Total | 7 279,2 | |

Food

Amount

(t) (6)

6

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Shrimps

541,4

5

Frog legs

3 225,7

5

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

217,8

6-9

Frozen vegetables

56,1

3

Eggs

665,1

2-3

Poultry/Game

883,9

3-5

Meat

213,7

3-5

Fish

118,2

3-7

Dried fruits

0,5

6-9

Starch

93,0

3

Plasma

46,4

6-9

Prepared dishes

75,3

3

Dried vegetables

112,8

6-9

Gum Arabic

0,5

5

Others

931,2

2-25

Total

7 279,2

2.2.   Czech Republic

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2005 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 2005.

| Food | Amount
  (t) | Overall average absorbed radiation dose
  (KGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 85,3 | 4-7 |
| Total | 85,3 | |

Food

Amount

(t)

Overall average absorbed radiation dose

(KGy)

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

85,3

4-7

Total

85,3

2.3.   Germany

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

(a)   Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH, Radeberg

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2005 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 2005.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dried vegetables | 50,9 | < 10 |
| Herbs and seasonings | 169,0 | < 10 |
| Other foodstuffs (guarana seed) | 0,1 | < 0 |
| Total | 220,0 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Dried vegetables

50,9

< 10

Herbs and seasonings

169,0

< 10

Other foodstuffs (guarana seed)

0,1

< 0

Total

220,0

101,5 ton of the foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries

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

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2005 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 2005.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plant raw materials (dill, celery, paprika) | 6,46 | 4-10 |
| Dried vegetables | 27,83 | 6-8 |
| Total | 34,29 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Plant raw materials (dill, celery, paprika)

6,46

4-10

Dried vegetables

27,83

6-8

Total

34,29

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries

(c)   Isotron Deutschland GmbH, Allershausen

Inspections by the competent authorities in 2005 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 2005.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Herbs | 180,4 | 7-9 |
| Spices | 37,07 | 7-9 |
| Total | 217,47 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Herbs

180,4

7-9

Spices

37,07

7-9

Total

217,47

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries

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

No food products were irradiated in this facility in 2005.

2.4.   Spain

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

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

2.5.   France

In France, there are six facilities approved for the irradiation of foods. Inspections by the competent authorities in 2005 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facilities with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in the facilities in 2005.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Herbs, spices and dried vegetables | 134,3 | 10 |
| Gum arabic | 133,7 | 3 |
| Casein | 43,5 | 6 |
| Poultry | 1 849,2 | 5 |
| Frozen frog legs | 939,8 | 5 |
| Shrimps | 10,5 | 5 |
| Total | 3 111 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Herbs, spices and dried vegetables

134,3

10

Gum arabic

133,7

3

Casein

43,5

6

Poultry

1 849,2

5

Frozen frog legs

939,8

5

Shrimps

10,5

5

Total

3 111

2.6.   Hungary

In Hungary, there is one facility approved for the irradiation of foods. Inspection by the competent authority in 2005 confirmed the compliance with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in this facility in 2005.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices | 34,6 | 4-8 |
| Dried vegetables and fruits | 11,3 | 3-6 |
| Herbs | 64,9 | 3-8 |
| Total | 110,8 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Spices

34,6

4-8

Dried vegetables and fruits

11,3

3-6

Herbs

64,9

3-8

Total

110,8

2.7.   Italy

In Italy, there is one facility approved for the irradiation of foods.

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

2.8.   The Netherlands

During 2005 no official controls in the two Dutch facilities were carried out. The following table shows the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in the two facilities in 2005.

| Products in 2005 | Quantity
  [t] (7) |
| --- | --- |
| Spices/Herbs | 1 141,1 |
| Dehydrated vegetables | 880,8 |
| Poultry meat (frozen) | 52,8 |
| Shrimps (cooled) | 36 |
| Shrimps (frozen) | 32,8 |
| Frog parts | 124 |
| Egg white (cooled) | 0,8 |
| Food (8) | 698,4 |
| Samples food | 32 |
| Total | 3 299,2 |

Products in 2005

Quantity

[t] (7)

7

Spices/Herbs

1 141,1

Dehydrated vegetables

880,8

Poultry meat (frozen)

52,8

Shrimps (cooled)

36

Shrimps (frozen)

32,8

Frog parts

124

Egg white (cooled)

0,8

Food (8)

8

698,4

Samples food

32

Total

3 299,2

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 2005 in these facilities.

(a)   Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices, dried vegetables | 584,0 | 7-10 |
| Dried mushrooms | 79,6 | 5-10 |
| Total | 663,6 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Spices, dried vegetables

584,0

7-10

Dried mushrooms

79,6

5-10

Total

663,6

(b)   Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Herbs | 23,4 | 7 |
| Total | 23,4 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Herbs

23,4

7

Total

23,4

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 2005 and it was not inspected during 2005.

2.11.   Summary for the EU

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

Eight Member States forwarded to the Commission the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities.

The exact amount of foodstuffs irradiated in the Union can therefore not be determined.

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

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

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 115 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Basil | 3 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Chilli | 1 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Curry | 1 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Curcuma | 1 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Marjoram | 2 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Oregano | 3 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Paprika | 7 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Pepper | 6 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Rosemary | 2 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Thyme | 4 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Cinnamon | 1 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Herbal tea | 47 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Chicken | 13 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Duck | 15 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Goose | 9 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| TOTAL | 115 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 115

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Basil

3

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Chilli

1

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Curry

1

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Curcuma

1

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Marjoram

2

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Oregano

3

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Paprika

7

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Pepper

6

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Rosemary

2

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Thyme

4

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Cinnamon

1

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Herbal tea

47

0

EN 1788

EN 13751

Chicken

13

0

EN 1786

Duck

15

0

EN 1786

Goose

9

0

EN 1786

TOTAL

115

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.2.   Belgium

In total, 148 samples were analysed. None were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 148 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled (origin) |
| Frozen peeled decapitated shrimps | 15 | 0 | EN 1785 or EN 1788 |
| Dried herbs and spices | 5 | 0 | EN 1785 or EN 1788 |
| Frog legs | 14 | 0 | EN 1785 or EN 1788 |
| Fresh strawberries | 14 | 0 | EN 1785 or EN 1788 |
| Grated cheese | 100 | 0 | EN 1785 or EN 1788 |
| Total | 148 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 148

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled (origin)

Frozen peeled decapitated shrimps

15

0

EN 1785 or EN 1788

Dried herbs and spices

5

0

EN 1785 or EN 1788

Frog legs

14

0

EN 1785 or EN 1788

Fresh strawberries

14

0

EN 1785 or EN 1788

Grated cheese

100

0

EN 1785 or EN 1788

Total

148

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.3.   Cyprus

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.4.   Czech Republic

In total, 78 samples were analysed. 8 samples were positive for irradiation and were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 78 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices | 28 | 2 | EN 1788 |
| Herbal tea products | 20 | 3 | EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 7 | 3 | EN 1788 |
| Instant noodles | 2 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Fresh fruits | 9 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Poultry | 2 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Cacao powder | 2 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 70 | 8 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 90 | 10 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 78

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices

28

2

EN 1788

Herbal tea products

20

3

EN 1788

Food supplements

7

3

EN 1788

Instant noodles

2

0

EN 1788

Fresh fruits

9

0

EN 1788

Poultry

2

0

EN 1788

Cacao powder

2

0

EN 1788

Total

70

8

Total in % of analysed samples

90

10

3.5.   Germany

3 945 food samples were examined. 141 of these, i.e. 3.6 %, were non-compliant: 93 samples were incorrectly labelled and 48 were found to have been illegally irradiated.

Two samples were legally irradiated and correctly labelled.

The infringements are distributed very unevenly over product categories. In the group ‘Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks’, 42 of 113 samples (37 %) had been illegally irradiated and/or were not correctly labelled. The same was true for 32 % of soups and sauces.

It should be noted that products from Asia accounted for most of the non-compliant samples.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 3945 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, but irradiation unauthorised and/or not correctly labelled |
| Milk/milk products | 52 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 1787 |
| Cheese with herbs | 56 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 1784
  EN 1787
  EN 13751 |
| Butter with herbs | 32 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 1788 mod. |
| Eggs, egg products | 5 | 0 | EN 1784 mod. |
| Meat (including frozen meat, except poultry, game) | 23 | 0 | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786 |
| Meat products (except sausages) | 39 | 0 | EN 1784
  EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786 |
| Sausages | 65 | 0 | EN 1786
  EN 1788
  EN 1787 |
| Poultry | 151 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Game | 6 | 0 | EN 1786
  EN 1784 |
| Fish and fisheries products | 133 | 9 | EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels and other aquatic animals including their products | 225 | 6 | EN 1786
  EN 1788.L 12.01-1 |
| Pulses | 27 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Soups, sauces | 96 | 47 | EN 1375
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Cereals and cereal products | 54 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Oil seeds | 103 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Nuts | 148 | 0 | EN 1375
  EN 1784
  EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Potatoes, parts of plants with high content of starch | 19 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Fresh vegetables, salad | 53 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Dried vegetables, vegetable products | 70 | 0 | EN 1375
  EN 1787
  EN 178
  EN 13751 (Screening)
  L 00.00-42 ESR |
| Mushrooms, fresh | 20 | 0 | EN 1788
  EN 1375 |
| Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products | 173 | 2 | EN 1375
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 (Screening) |
| Fresh fruits | 169 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 PSL |
| Dried fruits or fruit products | 101 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 13708 |
| Cacao powder | 24 | 0 | |
| Teas, tea-like products | 161 | 8 | EN 1788
  EN 1787
  EN 13751
  EN 13751 (Screening) |
| Ready-to-serve meals | 35 | 4 | EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 (Screening) |
| Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt | 1 385 | 8 | EN 1784
  EN 1787;
  EN 1788
  EN 1375
  EN 13751 (Screening)
  EN 13788 |
| Herbs | 133 | 0 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Dry prepared meals | 52 | 3 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks | 71 | 42 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 99 | 9 | EN 1375
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  EN 13751 + EN 1788 |
| Other | 18 | 3 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Total | 3 798 | 141 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 96,4 | 3,6 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 3945

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

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

Milk/milk products

52

0

EN 1788

EN 1787

Cheese with herbs

56

0

EN 1788

EN 1784

EN 1787

EN 13751

Butter with herbs

32

0

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 1788 mod.

Eggs, egg products

5

0

EN 1784 mod.

Meat (including frozen meat, except poultry, game)

23

0

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

Meat products (except sausages)

39

0

EN 1784

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

Sausages

65

0

EN 1786

EN 1788

EN 1787

Poultry

151

0

EN 1786

Game

6

0

EN 1786

EN 1784

Fish and fisheries products

133

9

EN 1786

EN 1788

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

225

6

EN 1786

EN 1788.L 12.01-1

Pulses

27

0

EN 1788

Soups, sauces

96

47

EN 1375

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

Cereals and cereal products

54

EN 1787

EN 1788

Oil seeds

103

0

EN 1787

EN 1788

Nuts

148

0

EN 1375

EN 1784

EN 1787

EN 1788

Potatoes, parts of plants with high content of starch

19

0

EN 1787

EN 1788

Fresh vegetables, salad

53

0

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

Dried vegetables, vegetable products

70

0

EN 1375

EN 1787

EN 178

EN 13751 (Screening)

L 00.00-42 ESR

Mushrooms, fresh

20

0

EN 1788

EN 1375

Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products

173

2

EN 1375

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751 (Screening)

Fresh fruits

169

0

EN 1787

EN 1788 PSL

Dried fruits or fruit products

101

0

EN 1787

EN 13708

Cacao powder

24

0

Teas, tea-like products

161

8

EN 1788

EN 1787

EN 13751

EN 13751 (Screening)

Ready-to-serve meals

35

4

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751 (Screening)

Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt

1 385

8

EN 1784

EN 1787;

EN 1788

EN 1375

EN 13751 (Screening)

EN 13788

Herbs

133

0

EN 1787

EN 1788

Dry prepared meals

52

3

EN 1787

EN 1788

Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks

71

42

EN 1787

EN 1788

Food supplements

99

9

EN 1375

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

EN 13751 + EN 1788

Other

18

3

EN 1787

EN 1788

Total

3 798

141

Total in % of analysed samples

96,4

3,6

3.6.   Denmark

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.7.   Estonia

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.8.   Greece

In total, 54 samples were analysed. None were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 54 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Herbs and spices | 32 | 0 | |
| Tea | 12 | 0 | |
| Fish and molluscs | 10 | 0 | |
| Total | 54 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 54

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Herbs and spices

32

0

Tea

12

0

Fish and molluscs

10

0

Total

54

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.9.   Spain

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

3.10.   Finland

In total 274 samples were analysed. A total of 246 samples of dried spices and herbs were analysed. 6 samples were found to contain irradiated material. 21 food supplements were analyzed and 7 tested positive for irradiation.

None of the positive samples were adequately labelled and the irradiation facilities had no EU approval.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 274 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Dried spices and herbs | 240 | 6 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 14 | 7 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Fruits and berries | 7 | 0 | |
| Total | 261 | 13 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 95 | 5 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 274

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Dried spices and herbs

240

6

EN 13751

EN 1788

Food supplements

14

7

EN 13751

EN 1788

Fruits and berries

7

0

Total

261

13

Total in % of analysed samples

95

5

3.11.   France

In total, 86 samples were analysed. 6 samples of herbs were positive for irradiation and not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 86 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Spices and herbs | 22 | 0 | |
| Food supplements | 21 | 0 | |
| Tea and infusions | 11 | 0 | |
| Dried mushrooms | 9 | 1 | |
| Shrimps | 10 | 0 | |
| Fruits and vegetables | 7 | 0 | |
| Frogs legs | 5 | 5 | |
| Total | 80 | 6 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 93 | 7 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 86

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

22

0

Food supplements

21

0

Tea and infusions

11

0

Dried mushrooms

9

1

Shrimps

10

0

Fruits and vegetables

7

0

Frogs legs

5

5

Total

80

6

Total in % of analysed samples

93

7

Samples were screened for abnormally low microbiologic contamination and in that case, analysed with the CEN Method 1788.

3.12.   Hungary

In total, 141 samples were analysed. 7 samples of herbs were positive for irradiation, of which 4 were correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 141 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Herbs | 38 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Tea | 96 | 3 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 134 | 3 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 95 | 2 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 141

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Herbs

38

0

EN 1788

Tea

96

3

EN 1788

Total

134

3

Total in % of analysed samples

95

2

3.13.   Ireland

In 2005, 459 samples were analysed. 20 samples were positive for irradiation, and were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 459 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Noodles | 61 | 14 | EN13751 for screening, confirmation by EN1788 |
| Prawns | 4 | 0 |
| Sauces, mustards & soups | 28 | 3 |
| Seasonings/Stocks | 22 | 1 |
| Fresh fruit | 13 | 0 |
| Herbs & spices | 169 | 2 |
| Coffee and tea (including herbal teas) | 41 | 0 |
| Seeds | 29 | 0 |
| Dried fruit and vegetables | 6 | 0 |
| Flavourings | 9 | 0 |
| Food supplements | 44 | 0 |
| Miscellaneous | 13 | 0 |
| Total | 439 | 20 |
| % of total analysed | 96 | 4 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 459

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Noodles

61

14

EN13751 for screening, confirmation by EN1788

Prawns

4

0

Sauces, mustards & soups

28

3

Seasonings/Stocks

22

1

Fresh fruit

13

0

Herbs & spices

169

2

Coffee and tea (including herbal teas)

41

0

Seeds

29

0

Dried fruit and vegetables

6

0

Flavourings

9

0

Food supplements

44

0

Miscellaneous

13

0

Total

439

20

% of total analysed

96

4

3.14.   Italy

In total, 112 samples were analysed. 5 samples of herbs were positive for irradiation and were not correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 112 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts | 107 | 5 | EN 13784/2002
  EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Total | 107 | 5 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 5 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 112

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts

107

5

EN 13784/2002

EN 13751

EN 1788

Total

107

5

Total in % of analysed samples

100

5

3.15.   Latvia

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.16.   Lithuania

In total, 12 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 40 | Method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Spices and herbs | 5 | 0 | LST EN 13783:2004 |
| Tea | 7 | 0 | LST EN 13783:2004 |
| Total | 12 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

Method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

5

0

LST EN 13783:2004

Tea

7

0

LST EN 13783:2004

Total

12

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.17.   Luxembourg

In total, 40 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 40 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Spices | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Potatoes | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Tea | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Onion | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 40 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices

10

0

EN 1788

Potatoes

10

0

EN 1788

Tea

10

0

EN 1788

Onion

10

0

EN 1788

Total

40

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.18.   Malta

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.19.   The Netherlands

In Total 792 samples analysed of which 31 samples proved to be irradiated. None of the irradiated samples were correctly labelled as such.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 792 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Cereal products | 72 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Dried vegetables | 53 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Dried legume | 43 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Dried fruit | 215 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Seed | 5 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Shrimps | 54 | 0 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Mixed herbs | 20 | 2 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Herbs & spices | 199 | 3 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Dietary supplements | 100 | 26 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Total | 761 | 31 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 96 | 4 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 792

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Cereal products

72

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Dried vegetables

53

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Dried legume

43

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Dried fruit

215

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Seed

5

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Shrimps

54

0

EN 13751

EN 1788

Mixed herbs

20

2

EN 13751

EN 1788

Herbs & spices

199

3

EN 13751

EN 1788

Dietary supplements

100

26

EN 13751

EN 1788

Total

761

31

Total in % of analysed samples

96

4

3.20.   Poland

In total, 120 samples were analysed. 4 samples tested positive for irradiation, none of which were correctly labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 120 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled |
| Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 48 | 4 | EN 1788 |
| Potatoes | 10 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Onion and garlic | 16 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Poultry | 4 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Unshelled nuts | 25 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Prawns, fish | 13 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 116 | 4 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 97 | 3 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 120

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not correctly labelled

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

48

4

EN 1788

Potatoes

10

0

EN 1788

Onion and garlic

16

0

EN 1788

Poultry

4

0

EN 1788

Unshelled nuts

25

0

EN 1788

Prawns, fish

13

0

EN 1788

Total

116

4

Total in % of analysed samples

97

3

3.21.   Portugal

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

3.22.   Sweden

During the year 2005, six samples, mainly poultry meat, have been taken. The method used to analyse irradiated food was according EN 1784.

The six samples analysed were not irradiated.

3.23.   Slovakia

In total, 56 samples were analysed, none of which tested positive for irradiation

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples: 40 | method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: irradiated |
| Pistachio, different kind of nuts | 43 | 0 | GC |
| Cheese | 9 | 0 | GC |
| Duck | 4 | 0 | GC |
| Total | 56 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Pistachio, different kind of nuts

43

0

GC

Cheese

9

0

GC

Duck

4

0

GC

Total

56

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.24.   Slovenia

During the year 2005, ten samples, herbs and spices were analysed, none of them tested positive for being irradiated.

3.25.   The United Kingdom

The Food Standards Agency is aware of 657 products that were sampled by UK local enforcement authorities in 2005 and analysed using standardised detection tests for irradiated food. Of these 657 samples, 42 (six percent) were found to be irradiated. The 101 samples reported as ‘inconclusive ’were identified as intermediate using CEN method EN13751:2002 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: 657 | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result: non-irradiated | Result: Inconclusive | Result: irradiated |
| Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 267 | 36 | 20 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Cous Cous and dried seasonings | 3 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Dried soup mixes | 23 | 2 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Noodles and dried seasonings A | 84 | 9 | 10 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Rice and dried seasonings | 2 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Pasta and dried seasonings | 2 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Mushrooms and edible fungi (dried and fresh) | 4 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Dried fruit | 16 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Fresh fruit | 22 | 1 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Vegetables including onions | 19 | 3 | 1 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Herbal teas | 5 | 0 | 2 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns, shrimps and fish | 16 | 11 | 3 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Dried food ingredients | 28 | 12 | 1 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Nuts | 1 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Food supplements | 18 | 27 | 5 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Miscellaneous B | 4 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002;
  EN 1778:2001 |
| Total | 514 | 101 | 42 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 78 | 16 | 6 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 657

CEN method used

Result: non-irradiated

Result: Inconclusive

Result: irradiated

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

267

36

20

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Cous Cous and dried seasonings

3

0

0

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Dried soup mixes

23

2

0

EN 13751:2002

Noodles and dried seasonings A

A

84

9

10

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Rice and dried seasonings

2

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Pasta and dried seasonings

2

0

0

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Mushrooms and edible fungi (dried and fresh)

4

0

0

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Dried fruit

16

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Fresh fruit

22

1

0

EN 13751:2002

Vegetables including onions

19

3

1

EN 13751:2002

Herbal teas

5

0

2

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns, shrimps and fish

16

11

3

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Dried food ingredients

28

12

1

EN 13751:2002

Nuts

1

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Food supplements

18

27

5

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Miscellaneous B

B

4

0

0

EN 13751:2002;

EN 1778:2001

Total

514

101

42

Total in % of analysed samples

78

16

6

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 | 115 | 0 | 0 |
| BE | 148 | 0 | 0 |
| CY | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| CZ | 70 | 8 | 10 |
| DE | 3 798 | 143 (9) | 3,6 |
| DK | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| EE | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| EL | 54 | 0 | 0 |
| ES | NI | NI | NI |
| FI | 264 | 13 | 5 |
| FR | 80 | 6 | 7 |
| HU | 134 | 7 (*) | 2 |
| IE | 439 | 20 | 4 |
| IT | 107 | 5 | 5 |
| LV | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| LT | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| LU | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| MT | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| NL | 761 | 31 | 4 |
| PL | 116 | 6 | 4 |
| PT | NAC | NAC | NAC |
| SE | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| SK | 56 | 0 | 0 |
| SI | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| UK | 514 (10) | 42 | 6 |
| Total | 6 724 | 281 | 4,0 |
| NI | : | No information has been forwarded by the Member State. |
| NAC | : | No analytical checks were performed in 2005. |

Member State

Number of samples non-irradiated

Number of samples irradiated

% of samples irradiated, not correctly labelled

AT

115

0

0

BE

148

0

0

CY

NAC

NAC

NAC

CZ

70

8

10

DE

3 798

143 (9)

9

3,6

DK

NAC

NAC

NAC

EE

NAC

NAC

NAC

EL

54

0

0

ES

NI

NI

NI

FI

264

13

5

FR

80

6

7

HU

134

7 (*)

2

IE

439

20

4

IT

107

5

5

LV

NAC

NAC

NAC

LT

12

0

0

LU

40

0

0

MT

NAC

NAC

NAC

NL

761

31

4

PL

116

6

4

PT

NAC

NAC

NAC

SE

6

0

0

SK

56

0

0

SI

10

0

0

UK

514 (10)

10

42

6

Total

6 724

281

4,0

NI

:

No information has been forwarded by the Member State.

NAC

:

No analytical checks were performed in 2005.

4.   CONCLUSIONS

4.1.   Results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities

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

In 2005, irradiation facilities had approval in 10 Member States.

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

Due to this incomplete reporting, the precise amount of foods irradiated in the EU during 2005 is not known.

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

In 2005, 16 Member States performed analytical checks and submitted the requested data. Four 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 2005, 4 % of samples were illegally irradiated and/or not correctly labelled. Of the 287 samples proven to be irradiated, only 6 were legally irradiated and correctly labelled.

The infringements are unevenly distributed over product categories. Products imported from Asia, especially Asian-type noodles and food supplements are particularly concerned. It should be noted that in 2005, there were no facilities in Asia approved by the European Community.

The Commission expects that the member States 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 2006 report

The deadline for submitting to the Commission the results of checks performed in 2006, as required under Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC, is 30 April 2007.

---

(1)  OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16. Amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

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)  Amounts reported in kg.

6

(7)  The amounts have been reported as ‘boards ’with an average weight per board of 800 kg.

7

(8)  Products intended for exports to third countries.

8

(9)  Germany and Hungary found respectively 2 and 4 samples that were legally irradiated and correctly labelled.

9

(10)  The UK classified 101 samples as inconclusive.

10

---