Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2003
Date: 2006-09-23
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, data collection, exchange of information, food inspection, foodstuff, irradiation, perishable goods

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Official Journal of the European Union

23.9.2006

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 ingredi-
ents 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 at the product marketing stage and the methods used to detect irra-

diated 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 irra-
diated 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 ingredi-
ents treated with ionising radiation (1), 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 quan-
tities 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.

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).

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)).

(1) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16.
(2) http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/index_en.htm

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The list of authorised facilities in the Member States has been published by the Commission (1).

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 (2)). 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 (3).

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

Shrimps

Frog's legs

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

Frozen vegetables

Cheese

Eggs

Poultry/Game

Meat

Fish

Dried fruits

‘Pâtes de fruits’

Starch

Proteins

Prepared dishes

Total

(1) OJ C 187, 7.8.2003, p. 13.
(2) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 6.
(3) OJ C 56, 11.3.2003, p. 5.

Amount
(t)

624,5

2 501,5

468,5

144,1

58

419

915,5

159,4

289,5

13,6

73,4

56,3

37,1

167,5

5 928

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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

Oil seeds

Dried vegetables

Spices including blended spices

Spices including blended spices and spice preparations

Herbs

Herbs

Tea-like products

(chitosan, powdered seaweed, bladderwrack,

Other
barberries)

Total EU

Total Third countries

Total

Quantity
(t)

1,5

67

12,8

195,6

3,5

29

106

1,5

16,3

400,6

416,9

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

<10

<10

<10

<10

<10

<10

<10

4,5-12,1

(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 inspec-
tion 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

Celery,
radish

powdered

horse-

Fresh mushrooms

Field mushrooms

Field mushrooms

Field mushrooms

Boletus luteus

2,5

1,77

1,89

0,936

2,736

1,005

8,6

6,2

6,4

6,2

6,3

10,0

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Food

Mushroom products

Granulated boletus luteus

Fresh vegetables

Green peppers

Mixed vegetables

Celery

Blended spices

Spices

Total

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

6,6

10,8

10,8

6,1

10,0

Quantity
[t]

1,2

8,283

1,0

0,3

2,55

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

Dairy products

Tea, tea-like products

Spices including blended spices and spice preparations

Herbs

Total EU

Total Third countries

Total

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

6

≤ 10

≤ 10

≤ 10

≤ 10

Quantity
[t]

0,135

266,49

109,41

3,49

49,68

3,49

425,72

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.

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

Food

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

2.5. France

Amount
(t)

393,8

Overall average absorbed radia-
tion dose
(kGy)

3-8

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

Spices, vegetable seasonings and dehydrated vegetables

Frozen aromatic herbs

Dried fruits and vegetables

Cereal flakes for milk products

Arabic gum

Caseins, caseinates

Mechanically recovered meat, meat and offal of chicken

Frozen frog legs

Total

2.6. Italy

Amount
(t)

894

4

21

2

141

15

2 290

1 006

4 383

Overall average absorbed radia-
tion dose
(kGy)

10

10

1

10

3

6

5

5

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;

— General inspection on 14 May.

(b) Isotron facility in Etten Leur:

— 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

Spices/Herbs

Dehydrated vegetables

Poultry meat (frozen)

Amount
(t)

1 756,8

2 191,2

95,2

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Food

Shrimps (frozen)

Frog parts

Egg white (cooled)

Food (1)

Samples food

TOTAL

(1) Products intended for exports to third countries.

2.8. The United Kingdom

Amount
(t)

196,8

184

359,2

781,6

24,8

5 589,6

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:

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Spices and herbs

Herbal tea (spiced)

Chicken

Turkey

Duck

Goose

TOTAL

45

13

13

2

12

7

92

Total in % of analysed samples

97,8

CEN method used

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1786

EN 1786

EN 1786

EN 1786

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin)

0

2
(unknown origin)

0

0

0

0

2

2,2

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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.

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin)

Frog's legs

Cheese

Total

12

25

37

Total in % of analysed samples

62,8

9

5

14

37,8

CEN method used

EN 1785

EN 1785

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.

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin) (1)

CEN method used

Milk/dairy products

Herbal cheese and cheese

Herbal butter

Eggs and egg products

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

Meat
sausages)

products

(excluding

Sausages

Poultry

2

124

22

4

5

65

102

233

1
(France)

EN 1788

EN 1788, mod.
EN 1784
EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788

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Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin) (1)

CEN method used

Game

Fish and fisheries products

Crustaceans, shellfish, mussels
and other
animals
including their products

aquatic

Pulses

Soups, sauces

Cereals and cereal products

Oil seeds

Nuts

Potatoes, parts of starch-rich
plants

Fresh vegetables, salad

vegetables,

Dried
products

vegetable

Mushrooms, fresh

6

144

248

12

62

71

10

214

115

36

67

49

EN 1786

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788

In all 8, of which:
3 dried squid (Netherlands;
Indian Ocean)
1 dried sardines (Nether-
lands; Indian Ocean)
4 (Thailand, imported via
Netherlands)

3
(Indonesia)

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788
EN13751
L 12.01-1

2

EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1786
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1788
EN 1787
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751
L 53.00-2

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1788

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Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Mushrooms, dried or mush-
room products

Fresh fruits

163

148

Dried fruits or fruit products

83

Cocoa powder

Coffee, raw

Teas, tea-like products

10

19

209

Ready-to-serve meals

37

Spices, including preparations
and seasoning salt

901

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin) (1)

2
(Germany)

CEN method used

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751

In all 18, of which:
16 (Netherlands)

3
(1 Taiwan, 1 Thailand,
1 Vietnam)

In all 23, of which:
1 pepper (Madagascar)
2 mixed herbs/paprika
(Israel)
2 (Germany)
Remainder: of unknown
origin

EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13708
EN 13751
(Screening)
L 30.00-3

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1784
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1784
EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)
L 12.01-1
L 53.00-3

EN 1784
EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1787
EN 1788

Herbs

357

1

Asian noodle snacks, party
snacks, pizza, TV snacks

5

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Number of analysed samples

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled
(origin) (1)

8

CEN method used

EN 1786
EN 1788
EN 13751
(Screening)

EN 1784
EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788

69

1,9

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Food supplements

Other

Total

78

33

3 634

Total in % of analysed samples

98,1

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

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

Result:
not irradiated

Number of samples analysed

Result:
strong probability
that a minor ingre-
dient contained in
the product had
been irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not properly
labelled

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

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

91

91

85,8

4

4

3,8

11

11

10,4

CEN methods used

13783

EN
(screening) and
EN 1788 (verifi-
cation)

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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 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.

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled

CEN method used

Shrimps

Other crayfish

Mussels

Molluscs and shrimp mixes

Snails

Frog legs

Dried spices and herbs

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.7. France

EN13751 for
screening purposes,
confirmation by
EN1788

9

6

8

2

4

1

141

171

98,3

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

3

1,7

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 label-
ling 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.

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3.8. Greece

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

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled

CEN method used

EN13751

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

16

94,1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

5,9

Tea — sage

Herb — lime

Tea

Pepper

Chamomile

Basil

Mint

Dried onions

Herb-ash

Lavender

Rosemary

Cocoa

Herb — dog rose

Herb — couch grass

Aniseed

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

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.

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Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Dried spices and herbs

Food supplements

Fresh strawberries

Coffee, tea

Other

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

228

77

18

9

13

345

96,6

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled

3 (five-spice mix, 2
others)

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

CEN method used

EN13751 for
screening purposes,
confirmation by
EN1788

0

0

0

12

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.

Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled

CEN method used

Strawberries

Mushrooms

Dietary supplements

Herbs and spices (prepacked)

Fish (dried)

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.13. Portugal

33

62

162

461

5

723

95,1

EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751, EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 1788

0

3

25

4

5

37

4,9

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.

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Number of analysed samples

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
irradiated,
not correctly labelled

CEN method used

Herbs, spices and seasonings

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.14. Sweden

8

8

100

0

0

0

EN 1787

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

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
Inconclusive

Result:
irradiated,

Dried herbs and spices and vegetable
seasonings

240

21

11

Chicken soup mix

Strawberries

Mushrooms and edible fungi

Frog legs

Herbal teas

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

Dietary supplements

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

1

10

3

1

6

51

34

346

83,4

0

0

0

0

3

0

1

25

6

0

0

0

0

0

4

29 (1)

44

10,6

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

CEN method used

EN 13751:2002
EN 1788:2001

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002

EN 1786:1996

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002
EN 1788:2001

EN 13751:2002
EN 1788:2001

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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

B

D

DK

E

FIN

F

EL

I

IRL

L

NL

P

S

UK

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

92

37

3 634

91

—

171

—

16

—

345

—

723

8

7

346

5 470

96,5

2

14

69

11

—

3

—

1

—

12

—

37

0

0

44

193

3,5

4.1. Results of checks carried out in the irradiation facilities

4. CONCLUSIONS

Directive 1999/2/EC requires the Member States to inform the Commission about results of checks in irra-
diation 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.

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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 230/27

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 irra-
diated 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.