# C_2006230EN.01001201.xml

| 23.9.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 230/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.9.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 230/12

---

Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2003

(2006/C 230/07)

SUMMARY

According to 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, the Member States shall forward to the Commission every year

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

—

the results of checks carried out in the 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 2003, irradiation facilities had approval in eight Member States. All Member States except two provided the information requested with respect to food categories treated, quantities or doses.

In 2003, eleven Member States performed checks on foods placed on the market, whereas 4 did not perform analytical checks during the period covered. In total, about 5600 food samples have been checked in 2003. About 2,1 % of products (without dietary supplements) on the market were found to be irradiated and not labelled. These products are herbs and spices or compound foods containing herbs and spices, frog legs, aquatic animal products, mushrooms, fresh fruits, tea, coffee, sauces and similar products. In 2003, special attention was brought to dietary supplements. It showed that this category of products should be particularly monitored — as 16 % of the products checked had been found irradiated.

On the basis of the available information, the Commission concludes that overall the situation has not changed much compared to 2002 even if the number of Member States carrying out controls has increased.

1.   LEGAL BASIS AND BACKGROUND

According to 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 shall forward to the Commission every year:

1

the results of checks carried out in the 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 Commission has to publish 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 2003 to 31 December 2003.

Information on general aspects of food irradiation is available on the website of the Directorate-General Health and Consumer Protection of the European Commission (2).

2

1.1.   Irradiation facilities

According to Article 3 (2) of Directive 1999/2/EC food may only be irradiated 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 about 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, five 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

According to 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’.

For the enforcement of the 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 THE IRRADIATION FACILITIES

The Member States submitted the following information:

2.1.   Belgium

An inspection by the competent authority in 2003 confirmed compliance of the irradiation facility IBA Mediris S.A. with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in the company IBA Mediris in 2003.

| Food | Amount
  (t) |
| --- | --- |
| Shrimps | 624,5 |
| Frog's legs | 2 501,5 |
| Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 468,5 |
| Frozen vegetables | 144,1 |
| Cheese | 58 |
| Eggs | 419 |
| Poultry/Game | 915,5 |
| Meat | 159,4 |
| Fish | 289,5 |
| Dried fruits | 13,6 |
| ‘Pâtes de fruits’ | 73,4 |
| Starch | 56,3 |
| Proteins | 37,1 |
| Prepared dishes | 167,5 |
| Total | 5 928 |

Food

Amount

(t)

Shrimps

624,5

Frog's legs

2 501,5

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

468,5

Frozen vegetables

144,1

Cheese

58

Eggs

419

Poultry/Game

915,5

Meat

159,4

Fish

289,5

Dried fruits

13,6

‘Pâtes de fruits’

73,4

Starch

56,3

Proteins

37,1

Prepared dishes

167,5

Total

5 928

2.2.   Germany

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

(a)   Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH, Radeberg

The facility was inspected in 2002.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods that were irradiated at Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH in 2003, with the average absorbed doses.

| Food | Quantity
  (t) | Average absorbed dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oil seeds | 1,5 | <10 |
| Dried vegetables | 67 | <10 |
| Spices including blended spices | 12,8 | <10 |
| Spices including blended spices and spice preparations | 195,6 | <10 |
| Herbs | 3,5 | <10 |
| Herbs | 29 | <10 |
| Tea-like products | 106 | <10 |
| Other (chitosan, powdered seaweed, bladderwrack, barberries) | 1,5 | 4,5-12,1 |
| Total EU | 16,3 | |
| Total Third countries | 400,6 | |
| Total | 416,9 | |

Food

Quantity

(t)

Average absorbed dose

(kGy)

Oil seeds

1,5

<10

Dried vegetables

67

<10

Spices including blended spices

12,8

<10

Spices including blended spices and spice preparations

195,6

<10

Herbs

3,5

<10

Herbs

29

<10

Tea-like products

106

<10

Other (chitosan, powdered seaweed, bladderwrack, barberries)

1,5

4,5-12,1

Total EU

16,3

Total Third countries

400,6

Total

416,9

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

The facility was approved on 15 August 2003. There were no further checks in 2003. The next inspection was to be carried out in calendar week 13/2004.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods that were irradiated at Gamma Service GmbH&Co. KG in 2003, with the average absorbed doses.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vegetables | Powdered horseradish | 2,5 | 8,6 |
| Celery, powdered horseradish | 1,77 | 6,2 |
| Fresh mushrooms | Field mushrooms | 1,89 | 6,4 |
| Field mushrooms | 0,936 | 6,2 |
| Field mushrooms | 2,736 | 6,3 |
| Boletus luteus | 1,005 | 10,0 |
| Mushroom products | Granulated boletus luteus | 1,2 | 6,6 |
| Fresh vegetables | Green peppers | 8,283 | 10,8 |
| Mixed vegetables | 1,0 | 10,8 |
| Celery | 0,3 | 6,1 |
| Spices | Blended spices | 2,55 | 10,0 |
| Total | 24,17 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Vegetables

Powdered horseradish

2,5

8,6

Celery, powdered horseradish

1,77

6,2

Fresh mushrooms

Field mushrooms

1,89

6,4

Field mushrooms

0,936

6,2

Field mushrooms

2,736

6,3

Boletus luteus

1,005

10,0

Mushroom products

Granulated boletus luteus

1,2

6,6

Fresh vegetables

Green peppers

8,283

10,8

Mixed vegetables

1,0

10,8

Celery

0,3

6,1

Spices

Blended spices

2,55

10,0

Total

24,17

(c)   Isotron Deutschland GmbH, Allershausen

The facility was inspected in 2002.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods that were irradiated at Isotron Deutschland GmbH in 2003, with the average absorbed doses.

| Food | Quantity
  [t] | Average absorbed dose
  [kGy] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dairy products | 0,135 | 6 |
| Tea, tea-like products | 266,49 | ≤ 10 |
| Spices including blended spices and spice preparations | 109,41 | ≤ 10 |
| 3,49 | ≤ 10 |
| Herbs | 49,68 | ≤ 10 |
| Total EU | 3,49 | |
| Total Third countries | 425,72 | |
| Total | 429,21 | |

Food

Quantity

[t]

Average absorbed dose

[kGy]

Dairy products

0,135

6

Tea, tea-like products

266,49

≤ 10

Spices including blended spices and spice preparations

109,41

≤ 10

3,49

≤ 10

Herbs

49,68

≤ 10

Total EU

3,49

Total Third countries

425,72

Total

429,21

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

No food products were irradiated in the facility in 2003.

2.3.   Denmark

The facility LR Plast has ceased irarrdiation activities 31 October 2003 and therefore it has been removed from the List of approved facilities for the treatment of foods and food ingredients with ionising radiation.

No inspections were carried in 2003.

2.4.   Spain

The facility IONMED S.A. was approved for irradiation of foods in 2002.

No control has been carried out, the authorities have only foreseen a supervision of the self-inspection system.

The following table provides the category and the quantity of foods irradiated in the facility in 2003, with the overall average absorbed doses.

| Food | Amount
  (t) | Overall average absorbed radiation dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings | 393,8 | 3-8 |

Food

Amount

(t)

Overall average absorbed radiation dose

(kGy)

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

393,8

3-8

2.5.   France

All the authorised facilities have been inspected in 2003.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in France in 2003.

| Food | Amount
  (t) | Overall average absorbed radiation dose
  (kGy) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spices, vegetable seasonings and dehydrated vegetables | 894 | 10 |
| Frozen aromatic herbs | 4 | 10 |
| Dried fruits and vegetables | 21 | 1 |
| Cereal flakes for milk products | 2 | 10 |
| Arabic gum | 141 | 3 |
| Caseins, caseinates | 15 | 6 |
| Mechanically recovered meat, meat and offal of chicken | 2 290 | 5 |
| Frozen frog legs | 1 006 | 5 |
| Total | 4 383 | |

Food

Amount

(t)

Overall average absorbed radiation dose

(kGy)

Spices, vegetable seasonings and dehydrated vegetables

894

10

Frozen aromatic herbs

4

10

Dried fruits and vegetables

21

1

Cereal flakes for milk products

2

10

Arabic gum

141

3

Caseins, caseinates

15

6

Mechanically recovered meat, meat and offal of chicken

2 290

5

Frozen frog legs

1 006

5

Total

4 383

2.6.   Italy

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

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

2.7.   The Netherlands

In the year 2003 the following inspections have been carried out in the Netherlands:

(a)   Isotron facility in Ede:

| — | Inspection of HACCP system on 4 February; |
| --- | --- |

—

Inspection of HACCP system on 4 February;

| — | General inspection on 14 May. |
| --- | --- |

—

General inspection on 14 May.

(b)   Isotron facility in Etten Leur:

| — | Inspection of the HACCP system on 17 June. |
| --- | --- |

—

Inspection of the HACCP system on 17 June.

The following table provides the categories and quantities of foods irradiated in the two production facilities of Ede and Etten-Leur.

| Food | Amount
  (t) |
| --- | --- |
| Spices/Herbs | 1 756,8 |
| Dehydrated vegetables | 2 191,2 |
| Poultry meat (frozen) | 95,2 |
| Shrimps (frozen) | 196,8 |
| Frog parts | 184 |
| Egg white (cooled) | 359,2 |
| Food (6) | 781,6 |
| Samples food | 24,8 |
| TOTAL | 5 589,6 |

Food

Amount

(t)

Spices/Herbs

1 756,8

Dehydrated vegetables

2 191,2

Poultry meat (frozen)

95,2

Shrimps (frozen)

196,8

Frog parts

184

Egg white (cooled)

359,2

Food (6)

6

781,6

Samples food

24,8

TOTAL

5 589,6

2.8.   The United Kingdom

There is only one food irradiation facility in the UK, the Isotron plc facility at Swindon, which is licensed to irradiate certain herbs and spices. No food has been irradiated in 2003.

The facility was not inspected during 2003.

2.9.   Summary for the EU

The notified amount of foods irradiated in the EU during the period covered is 17.164 tonnes. Part of this amount has been irradiated for export.

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

100 samples were checked for ionising radiation treatment. Irradiation could be demonstrated in two samples of spiced herbal tea taken in connection with an inspection following a notification through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed. The products tested and numbers of samples are shown below:

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled
  (origin) |
| Spices and herbs | 45 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Herbal tea (spiced) | 13 | 2
  (unknown origin) | EN 1788 |
| Chicken | 13 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Turkey | 2 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Duck | 12 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| Goose | 7 | 0 | EN 1786 |
| TOTAL | 92 | 2 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 97,8 | 2,2 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

(origin)

Spices and herbs

45

0

EN 1788

Herbal tea (spiced)

13

2

(unknown origin)

EN 1788

Chicken

13

0

EN 1786

Turkey

2

0

EN 1786

Duck

12

0

EN 1786

Goose

7

0

EN 1786

TOTAL

92

2

Total in % of analysed samples

97,8

2,2

3.2.   Belgium

In 2003, 12 samples of frog's legs were analysed, 9 of them were found to be irradiated and not labelled. Also 25 samples of cheese were analysed, 5 of them were found to be irradiated and not labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled
  (origin) |
| Frog's legs | 12 | 9 | EN 1785 |
| Cheese | 25 | 5 | EN 1785 |
| Total | 37 | 14 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 62,8 | 37,8 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

(origin)

Frog's legs

12

9

EN 1785

Cheese

25

5

EN 1785

Total

37

14

Total in % of analysed samples

62,8

37,8

3.3.   Germany

3634 food samples were examined of which 69 were found to be irradiated but not labelled. A high percentage of teas, tea like products and food supplements was found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled
  (origin) (7) |
| Milk/dairy products | 2 | | EN 1788 |
| Herbal cheese and cheese | 124 | 1
  (France) | EN 1788, mod.
  EN 1784
  EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Herbal butter | 22 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Eggs and egg products | 4 | | EN 1784 mod. |
| Meat (including frozen meat) but excluding poultry and game) | 5 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786 |
| Meat products (excluding sausages) | 65 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Sausages | 102 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Poultry | 233 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Game | 6 | | EN 1786 |
| Fish and fisheries products | 144 | In all 8, of which:
  3 dried squid (Netherlands; Indian Ocean)
  1 dried sardines (Netherlands; Indian Ocean)
  4 (Thailand, imported via Netherlands) | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels and other aquatic animals including their products | 248 | 3
  (Indonesia) | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788
  EN13751
  L 12.01-1 |
| Pulses | 12 | | EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Soups, sauces | 62 | 2 | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Cereals and cereal products | 71 | | EN 1786
  EN 1788 |
| Oil seeds | 10 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Nuts | 214 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1788
  EN 1787
  EN 13751 |
| Potatoes, parts of starch-rich plants | 115 | | EN 1788
  EN 13751
  L 53.00-2 |
| Fresh vegetables, salad | 36 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Dried vegetables, vegetable products | 67 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Mushrooms, fresh | 49 | | EN 1788 |
| Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products | 163 | 2
  (Germany) | EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Fresh fruits | 148 | | EN 1784 mod.
  EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751 |
| Dried fruits or fruit products | 83 | | EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13708
  EN 13751
  (Screening)
  L 30.00-3 |
| Cocoa powder | 10 | | EN 1788 |
| Coffee, raw | 19 | | EN 1788 |
| Teas, tea-like products | 209 | In all 18, of which:
  16 (Netherlands) | EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Ready-to-serve meals | 37 | 3
  (1 Taiwan, 1 Thailand, 1 Vietnam) | EN 1784
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt | 901 | In all 23, of which:
  1 pepper (Madagascar)
  2 mixed herbs/paprika (Israel)
  2 (Germany)
  Remainder: of unknown origin | EN 1784
  EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening)
  L 12.01-1
  L 53.00-3 |
| Herbs | 357 | 1 | EN 1784
  EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks | 5 | | EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Food supplements | 78 | 8 | EN 1786
  EN 1788
  EN 13751
  (Screening) |
| Other | 33 | | EN 1784
  EN 1786
  EN 1787
  EN 1788 |
| Total | 3 634 | 69 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 98,1 | 1,9 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

(origin) (7)

7

Milk/dairy products

2

EN 1788

Herbal cheese and cheese

124

1

(France)

EN 1788, mod.

EN 1784

EN 1787

EN 1788

Herbal butter

22

EN 1787

EN 1788

Eggs and egg products

4

EN 1784 mod.

Meat (including frozen meat) but excluding poultry and game)

5

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

Meat products (excluding sausages)

65

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

Sausages

102

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

Poultry

233

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

Game

6

EN 1786

Fish and fisheries products

144

In all 8, of which:

3 dried squid (Netherlands; Indian Ocean)

1 dried sardines (Netherlands; Indian Ocean)

4 (Thailand, imported via Netherlands)

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

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

248

3

(Indonesia)

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

EN13751

L 12.01-1

Pulses

12

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Soups, sauces

62

2

EN 1787

EN 1788

Cereals and cereal products

71

EN 1786

EN 1788

Oil seeds

10

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

Nuts

214

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1788

EN 1787

EN 13751

Potatoes, parts of starch-rich plants

115

EN 1788

EN 13751

L 53.00-2

Fresh vegetables, salad

36

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

Dried vegetables, vegetable products

67

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Mushrooms, fresh

49

EN 1788

Mushrooms, dried or mushroom products

163

2

(Germany)

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Fresh fruits

148

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

Dried fruits or fruit products

83

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13708

EN 13751

(Screening)

L 30.00-3

Cocoa powder

10

EN 1788

Coffee, raw

19

EN 1788

Teas, tea-like products

209

In all 18, of which:

16 (Netherlands)

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 13751

(Screening)

Ready-to-serve meals

37

3

(1 Taiwan, 1 Thailand, 1 Vietnam)

EN 1784

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Spices, including preparations and seasoning salt

901

In all 23, of which:

1 pepper (Madagascar)

2 mixed herbs/paprika (Israel)

2 (Germany)

Remainder: of unknown origin

EN 1784

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

L 12.01-1

L 53.00-3

Herbs

357

1

EN 1784

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Asian noodle snacks, party snacks, pizza, TV snacks

5

EN 1787

EN 1788

Food supplements

78

8

EN 1786

EN 1788

EN 13751

(Screening)

Other

33

EN 1784

EN 1786

EN 1787

EN 1788

Total

3 634

69

Total in % of analysed samples

98,1

1,9

3.4.   Denmark

In 2003 the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DFVA) examined herbal food supplements and herbal raw materials for food supplements. A total of 106 samples were taken from manufacturers and importers in Denmark. The results of analysis showed that 11 of them had been irradiated or contained irradiated ingredients. Another four showed signs of a minor ingredient that had been irradiated. None of the products examined bore a label mentioning irradiation.

In addition, Danish undertakings are themselves obliged to carry out checks to ensure that the rules are complied with. Their self-monitoring activities are verified by the DVFA through documentary checks.

In 2003, as in previous years, regular microbiological tests were also carried out on foodstuffs marketed in Denmark. However, the results gave no reason to suspect irradiation, and for this reason no samples were collected for analysis.

| Food analysed | Number of samples analysed | CEN methods used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  not irradiated | Result:
  strong probability that a minor ingredient contained in the product had been irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not properly labelled |
| Food supplements containing drugs, and raw materials used to produce them | 91 | 4 | 11 | EN 13783 (screening) and
  EN 1788 (verification) |
| Total | 91 | 4 | 11 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 85,8 | 3,8 | 10,4 | |

Food analysed

Number of samples analysed

CEN methods used

Result:

not irradiated

Result:

strong probability that a minor ingredient contained in the product had been irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not properly labelled

Food supplements containing drugs, and raw materials used to produce them

91

4

11

EN 13783 (screening) and

EN 1788 (verification)

Total

91

4

11

Total in % of analysed samples

85,8

3,8

10,4

3.5.   Spain

No analytical checks were performed in 2003.

3.6.   Finland

There are two food authorities carrying out checks on the irradiation of foods:

| — | The National Food Agency in Finland included checks on the irradiation of foods at the product marketing stage in its programme for the official control of foodstuffs for the year 2003. The checks focused on seafood products. Altogether 30 samples of seafood products were analysed. No samples were found to contain irradiated material. |
| --- | --- |

—

The National Food Agency in Finland included checks on the irradiation of foods at the product marketing stage in its programme for the official control of foodstuffs for the year 2003. The checks focused on seafood products. Altogether 30 samples of seafood products were analysed. No samples were found to contain irradiated material.

| — | The checks carried out by the Customs authorities focused on dried spices and herbs. A total of 141 samples of dried spices and herbs were analysed. Three spice samples were found to contain irradiated material. None of the three positive samples were adequately labelled. |
| --- | --- |

—

The checks carried out by the Customs authorities focused on dried spices and herbs. A total of 141 samples of dried spices and herbs were analysed. Three spice samples were found to contain irradiated material. None of the three positive samples were adequately labelled.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| Shrimps | 9 | 0 | EN13751 for screening purposes, confirmation by EN1788 |
| Other crayfish | 6 | 0 |
| Mussels | 8 | 0 |
| Molluscs and shrimp mixes | 2 | 0 |
| Snails | 4 | 0 |
| Frog legs | 1 | 0 |
| Dried spices and herbs | 141 | 3 |
| Total | 171 | 3 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 98,3 | 1,7 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

Shrimps

9

0

EN13751 for screening purposes, confirmation by EN1788

Other crayfish

6

0

Mussels

8

0

Molluscs and shrimp mixes

2

0

Snails

4

0

Frog legs

1

0

Dried spices and herbs

141

3

Total

171

3

Total in % of analysed samples

98,3

1,7

3.7.   France

As part of the control of units, a request was systematically made for an investigation to be carried out at the customers that used treated foodstuffs, in order to check compliance with the provisions on the labelling of ionised foodstuffs.

A confectioner using ionised nuts and two enterprises using ionised mechanically recovered meat without mentioning this on the label were given formal notice to change their labelling.

No sampling of foodstuffs was carried out for 2003 at the product marketing stage in order to look for treatment with ionising radiation.

3.8.   Greece

17 samples were taken and checked at the border. One sample of cocoa was found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| Tea — sage | 1 | 0 | EN13751 |
| Herb — lime | 1 | 0 |
| Tea | 2 | 0 |
| Pepper | 1 | 0 |
| Chamomile | 1 | 0 |
| Basil | 1 | 0 |
| Mint | 1 | 0 |
| Dried onions | 1 | 0 |
| Herb-ash | 1 | 0 |
| Lavender | 1 | 0 |
| Rosemary | 1 | 0 |
| Cocoa | 1 | 1 |
| Herb — dog rose | 1 | 0 |
| Herb — couch grass | 1 | 0 |
| Aniseed | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 16 | 1 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 94,1 | 5,9 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

Tea — sage

1

0

EN13751

Herb — lime

1

0

Tea

2

0

Pepper

1

0

Chamomile

1

0

Basil

1

0

Mint

1

0

Dried onions

1

0

Herb-ash

1

0

Lavender

1

0

Rosemary

1

0

Cocoa

1

1

Herb — dog rose

1

0

Herb — couch grass

1

0

Aniseed

1

0

Total

16

1

Total in % of analysed samples

94,1

5,9

3.9.   Italy

No analytical checks were performed in 2003.

3.10.   Ireland

Checks on compliance with Directive 1999/2/EC are carried out by the Environmental Health Services and Public Analysts' Laboratories of the Health Boards, under Service Contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. In 2003, a total of 357 samples were analysed: dried spices and herbs, food supplements, fresh strawberries and other products. A total of 12 samples (9 food supplements and 3 spices) were found to contain wholly or partially irradiated material. None of the 12 positive samples was labelled as irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| Dried spices and herbs | 228 | 3 (five-spice mix, 2 others) | EN13751 for screening purposes, confirmation by EN1788 |
| Food supplements | 77 | 9 (3 ginseng, 3 aloe vera, ginger root, garlic, agnacast) |
| Fresh strawberries | 18 | 0 |
| Coffee, tea | 9 | 0 |
| Other | 13 | 0 |
| Total | 345 | 12 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 96,6 | 3,4 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

Dried spices and herbs

228

3 (five-spice mix, 2 others)

EN13751 for screening purposes, confirmation by EN1788

Food supplements

77

9 (3 ginseng, 3 aloe vera, ginger root, garlic, agnacast)

Fresh strawberries

18

0

Coffee, tea

9

0

Other

13

0

Total

345

12

Total in % of analysed samples

96,6

3,4

3.11.   Luxembourg

No analytical checks were performed in 2003.

3.12.   The Netherlands

Samples were taken in retail shops on the market. All analysis were carried out in the laboratory of the Inspectorate of Health Protection in Zutphen. In 2003, according to a planned programme 700 samples were taken and analysed according to the methods mentioned in the table. From these 700 samples, 37 samples proved to be irradiated. None of the irradiated samples were labelled as such. As a result, the producers received an official report for the offences. The results of all the analyses of the different products and the methods used are shown in table.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| Strawberries | 33 | 0 | EN 1788 |
| Mushrooms | 62 | 3 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Dietary supplements | 162 | 25 | EN 13751, EN 1788 |
| Herbs and spices (prepacked) | 461 | 4 | EN 13751
  EN 1788 |
| Fish (dried) | 5 | 5 | EN 1788 |
| Total | 723 | 37 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 95,1 | 4,9 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

Strawberries

33

0

EN 1788

Mushrooms

62

3

EN 13751

EN 1788

Dietary supplements

162

25

EN 13751, EN 1788

Herbs and spices (prepacked)

461

4

EN 13751

EN 1788

Fish (dried)

5

5

EN 1788

Total

723

37

Total in % of analysed samples

95,1

4,9

3.13.   Portugal

In 2003, eight samples of herbs, spices and seasonings were taken, and analysed by the method EN1787. None of them were found to be irradiated.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| Herbs, spices and seasonings | 8 | 0 | EN 1787 |
| Total | 8 | 0 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 100 | 0 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

Herbs, spices and seasonings

8

0

EN 1787

Total

8

0

Total in % of analysed samples

100

0

3.14.   Sweden

To uphold the knowledge of the method for analysis the National Food Administration Sweden has performed a control on irradiated food. During the year 2003 seven samples were taken. Five samples were taken in shops selling meat, mainly meat from birds, and two samples of cheese. The method used to analyse irradiated food is the method in European standard EN 1784.

The seven samples analysed were not irradiated.

3.15.   The United Kingdom

The Food Standards Agency is aware of 415 products that were sampled by local enforcement authorities in 2003 and analysed using standardised detection tests for irradiated food. Of these 415 samples, 44 were found to be irradiated. It should be noted that 25 samples are reported as ‘inconclusive’ because they were identified as intermediate using CEN method EN13751:2002 and are inconclusive because they were not analysed further.

Irradiated dietary supplements were found on sale in the UK. Thirteen of the twenty-nine irradiated dietary supplements contained an irradiated component. In three of these thirteen, the irradiated component was minor and the irradiated ingredient was estimated at less than a few percent of the total product.

| Food analysed | Number of analysed samples | CEN method used |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  Inconclusive | Result:
  irradiated, |
| Dried herbs and spices and vegetable seasonings | 240 | 21 | 11 | EN 13751:2002
  EN 1788:2001 |
| Chicken soup mix | 1 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Strawberries | 10 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Mushrooms and edible fungi | 3 | 0 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Frog legs | 1 | 0 | 0 | EN 1786:1996 |
| Herbal teas | 6 | 3 | 0 | EN 13751:2002 |
| Seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns, shrimps and fish | 51 | 0 | 4 | EN 13751:2002
  EN 1788:2001 |
| Dietary supplements | 34 | 1 | 29 (8) | EN 13751:2002
  EN 1788:2001 |
| Total | 346 | 25 | 44 | |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 83,4 | 6 | 10,6 | |

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples

CEN method used

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

Inconclusive

Result:

irradiated,

Dried herbs and spices and vegetable seasonings

240

21

11

EN 13751:2002

EN 1788:2001

Chicken soup mix

1

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Strawberries

10

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Mushrooms and edible fungi

3

0

0

EN 13751:2002

Frog legs

1

0

0

EN 1786:1996

Herbal teas

6

3

0

EN 13751:2002

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

51

0

4

EN 13751:2002

EN 1788:2001

Dietary supplements

34

1

29 (8)

8

EN 13751:2002

EN 1788:2001

Total

346

25

44

Total in % of analysed samples

83,4

6

10,6

3.16.   Summary for the EU

The following table summarises the samples analysed and the results obtained for the whole EU:

| Member State | Number of analysed samples |
| --- | --- |
| Result:
  non-irradiated | Result:
  irradiated,
  not correctly labelled |
| A | 92 | 2 |
| B | 37 | 14 |
| D | 3 634 | 69 |
| DK | 91 | 11 |
| E | — | — |
| FIN | 171 | 3 |
| F | — | — |
| EL | 16 | 1 |
| I | — | — |
| IRL | 345 | 12 |
| L | — | — |
| NL | 723 | 37 |
| P | 8 | 0 |
| S | 7 | 0 |
| UK | 346 | 44 |
| Total | 5 470 | 193 |
| Total in % of analysed samples | 96,5 | 3,5 |

Member State

Number of analysed samples

Result:

non-irradiated

Result:

irradiated,

not correctly labelled

A

92

2

B

37

14

D

3 634

69

DK

91

11

E

—

—

FIN

171

3

F

—

—

EL

16

1

I

—

—

IRL

345

12

L

—

—

NL

723

37

P

8

0

S

7

0

UK

346

44

Total

5 470

193

Total in % of analysed samples

96,5

3,5

4.   CONCLUSIONS

4.1.   Results of checks carried out in the irradiation facilities

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

In 2003, irradiation facilities had approval in eight Member States. All Member States except Italy and Denmark, were the facility has ceased irradiation activities during 2003, provided the information requested with respect to food categories treated, quantities or doses.

The notified amount of foods irradiated in the EU during 2003 is 17 164 tonnes.

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

In 2003, 11 Member States performed analytical checks and submitted the requested data. Four Member States did not perform analytical checks during the period covered by the present report. Spain, Italy and Luxembourg have no analytical capability and France decided to perform no analytical check in 2003.

The situation in 2003 is similar to 2002. Few products on the market were found to be irradiated and not labelled (3,5 %). As regards dietary supplements, some Member States (DE, DK, IRL, NL et UK) decided to check this sector in particular, because of the high percentage of products found irradiated and not labelled in 2002 (29,5 %). In 2003, 524 samples have been controlled, 82 have been found irradiated (16 %).

In total, about 5 000 food samples have been checked of which about 2,1 % (excluding the irradiated dietary supplements in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands) were irradiated but not labelled. This is an increase of 0,7 % in comparison to 2002. This may be accounted for by a more targeted nature of the sampling and the fact that more Member States do now perform analytical checks.

4.3.   Deadline for the submission of results of checks for the report 2004

The deadline for the submission of results of checks to the Commission performed in 2004, according to Article 7 (3) of Directive 1999/2/EC, is 30 April 2005.

---

(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. 6.

4

(5)  OJ C 56, 11.3.2003, p. 5.

5

(6)  Products intended for exports to third countries.

6

(7)  Foods labelled as having been irradiated are not checked.

7

(8)  Of the 29 irradiated dietary supplements, 13 contained an irradiated component.

8

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