Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2005
Date: 2007-06-02
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, data collection, exchange of information, food inspection, foodstuff, irradiation, perishable goods

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:

— the results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities, in particular regarding the categories and quanti-

ties 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 2005, irradiation facilities had approval in 10 Member States. Eight Member States provided the informa-
tion 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 Commis-
sion 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 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.

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).

1.1.

Irradiation facilities

Under Article 3(2) of Directive 1999/2/EC, food may be irradiated only in approved irradiation facil-
ities. 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)).

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

(1) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16. Amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).
(2) http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/index_en.htm
(3) OJ C 187, 7.8.2003, p. 13.

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Official Journal of the European Union

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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 (1)). 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 (2).

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

Shrimps

Frog legs

Herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

Frozen vegetables

Eggs

Poultry/Game

Meat

Fish

Dried fruits

Starch

Plasma

Prepared dishes

(1) OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 24.
(2) OJ C 112, 12.5.2006, p. 6.

Amount
(t) (*)

541,4

3 225,7

217,8

56,1

665,1

883,9

213,7

118,2

0,5

93,0

46,4

75,3

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

5

5

6-9

3

2-3

3-5

3-5

3-7

6-9

3

6-9

3

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Official Journal of the European Union

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Food

Dried vegetables

Gum Arabic

Others

Total

(*) Amounts reported in kg.

2.2. Czech Republic

Amount
(t) (*)

112,8

0,5

931,2

7 279,2

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

6-9

5

2-25

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

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

Total

2.3. Germany

Overall average absorbed
radiation dose
(KGy)

4-7

Amount
(t)

85,3

85,3

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

Herbs and seasonings

Other foodstuffs (guarana seed)

Total

50,9

169,0

0,1

220,0

< 10

< 10

< 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.

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Official Journal of the European Union

2.6.2007

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

Food

Plant raw materials (dill, celery, paprika)

Dried vegetables

Total

Quantity
[t]

6,46

27,83

34,29

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

4-10

6-8

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

Herbs

Spices

Total

Quantity
[t]

180,4

37,07

217,47

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

7-9

7-9

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

Herbs, spices and dried vegetables

Gum arabic

Casein

Quantity
[t]

134,3

133,7

43,5

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

10

3

6

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Food

Poultry

Frozen frog legs

Shrimps

Total

2.6. Hungary

Quantity
[t]

1 849,2

939,8

10,5

3 111

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

5

5

5

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

Spices

Dried vegetables and fruits

Herbs

Total

2.7.

Italy

Quantity
[t]

34,6

11,3

64,9

110,8

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

4-8

3-6

3-8

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

Spices/Herbs

Dehydrated vegetables

Poultry meat (frozen)

Shrimps (cooled)

Shrimps (frozen)

Frog parts

Quantity
[t] (*)

1 141,1

880,8

52,8

36

32,8

124

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Official Journal of the European Union

2.6.2007

Products in 2005

Egg white (cooled)

Food (**)

Samples food

Total

Quantity
[t] (*)

0,8

698,4

32

3 299,2

(*) The amounts have been reported as ‘boards’ with an average weight per board of 800 kg.
(**) Products intended for exports to third countries.

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

Spices, dried vegetables

Dried mushrooms

Total

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

7-10

5-10

Quantity
[t]

584,0

79,6

663,6

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

Food

Herbs

Total

2.10. The United Kingdom

Average absorbed dose
[kGy]

7

Quantity
[t]

23,4

23,4

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.

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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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Basil

Chilli

Curry

Curcuma

Marjoram

Oregano

Paprika

Pepper

Rosemary

Thyme

Cinnamon

Herbal tea

Chicken

Duck

Goose

TOTAL

Total in % of analysed samples

3

1

1

1

2

3

7

6

2

4

1

47

13

15

9

115

100

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1786

EN 1786

EN 1786

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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3.2. Belgium

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

Number of analysed samples: 148

Food analysed

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled
(origin)

CEN method used

Frozen peeled decapitated shrimps

Dried herbs and spices

Frog legs

Fresh strawberries

Grated cheese

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

15

5

14

14

100

148

100

EN 1785 or EN 1788

EN 1785 or EN 1788

EN 1785 or EN 1788

EN 1785 or EN 1788

EN 1785 or EN 1788

0

0

0

0

0

0

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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Spices

Herbal tea products

Food supplements

Instant noodles

Fresh fruits

Poultry

Cacao powder

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.5. Germany

28

20

7

2

9

2

2

70

90

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

2

3

3

0

0

0

0

8

10

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.

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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

Result: non-
irradiated

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

CEN method used

Milk/milk products

Cheese with herbs

Butter with herbs

Eggs, egg products

Meat (including frozen meat, except
poultry, game)

Meat products (except sausages)

Sausages

Poultry

Game

Fish and fisheries products

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

Pulses

Soups, sauces

Cereals and cereal products

52

56

32

5

23

39

65

151

6

133

225

27

96

54

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

6

0

47

EN 1788
EN 1787

EN 1788
EN 1784
EN 1787
EN 13751

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 1788 mod.

EN 1784 mod.

EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786

EN 1784
EN 1784 mod.
EN 1786

EN 1786
EN 1788
EN 1787

EN 1786

EN 1786
EN 1784

EN 1786
EN 1788

EN 1786
EN 1788.L 12.01-1

EN 1788

EN 1375
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1787
EN 1788

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Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 3945

Result: non-
irradiated

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

CEN method used

Oil seeds

Nuts

Potatoes, parts of plants with high
content of starch

Fresh vegetables, salad

103

148

19

53

Dried vegetables, vegetable products

70

Mushrooms, fresh

Mushrooms, dried or mushroom
products

Fresh fruits

Dried fruits or fruit products

Cacao powder

Teas, tea-like products

Ready-to-serve meals

20

173

169

101

24

161

35

including preparations and

Spices,
seasoning salt

1 385

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

8

4

8

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1375
EN 1784
EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751

EN 1375
EN 1787
EN 178
EN 13751 (Screening)
L 00.00-42 ESR

EN 1788
EN 1375

EN 1375
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751 (Screening)

EN 1787
EN 1788 PSL

EN 1787
EN 13708

EN 1788
EN 1787
EN 13751
EN 13751 (Screening)

EN 1786
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751 (Screening)

EN 1784
EN 1787;
EN 1788
EN 1375
EN 13751 (Screening)
EN 13788

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Food analysed

Herbs

Dry prepared meals

Asian noodle snacks, party snacks,
pizza, TV snacks

Food supplements

Other

Total

Number of analysed samples: 3945

Result: non-
irradiated

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

CEN method used

133

52

71

99

18

0

3

42

9

3

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788

EN 1375
EN 1787
EN 1788
EN 13751
EN 13751 + EN 1788

EN 1787
EN 1788

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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Herbs and spices

Tea

Fish and molluscs

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.9. Spain

32

12

10

54

100

0

0

0

0

0

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

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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.

Number of analysed samples: 274

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

240

14

7

261

95

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

6

7

0

13

5

Food analysed

Dried spices and herbs

Food supplements

Fruits and berries

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Spices and herbs

Food supplements

Tea and infusions

Dried mushrooms

Shrimps

Fruits and vegetables

Frogs legs

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

22

21

11

9

10

7

5

80

93

0

0

0

1

0

0

5

6

7

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

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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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Herbs

Tea

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.13. Ireland

38

96

134

95

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

3

3

2

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 459

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Noodles

Prawns

Sauces, mustards & soups

Seasonings/Stocks

Fresh fruit

Herbs & spices

Coffee and tea (including herbal teas)

Seeds

Dried fruit and vegetables

Flavourings

Food supplements

Miscellaneous

Total

% of total analysed

61

4

28

22

13

169

41

29

6

9

44

13

439

96

14

EN13751 for screening,
confirmation by EN1788

0

3

1

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

20

4

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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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

107

107

100

5

5

5

CEN method used

EN 13784/2002
EN 13751
EN 1788

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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Method used

Spices and herbs

Tea

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

5

7

12

100

0

0

0

0

LST EN 13783:2004

LST EN 13783:2004

3.17. Luxembourg

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Spices

Potatoes

Tea

Onion

Total

10

10

10

10

40

Total in % of analysed samples

100

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

0

0

0

0

0

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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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Cereal products

Dried vegetables

Dried legume

Dried fruit

Seed

Shrimps

Mixed herbs

Herbs & spices

Dietary supplements

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.20. Poland

72

53

43

215

5

54

20

199

100

761

96

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

EN 13751
EN 1788

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

3

26

31

4

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

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable season-
ings

Potatoes

Onion and garlic

48

10

16

4

0

0

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

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Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 120

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Poultry

Unshelled nuts

Prawns, fish

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

4

25

13

116

97

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

0

0

4

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

Result: non-
irradiated

Result: irradiated

method used

Pistachio, different kind of nuts

Cheese

Duck

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.24. Slovenia

43

9

4

56

100

GC

GC

GC

0

0

0

0

0

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.

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Food analysed

Result: non-
irradiated

Result:
Inconclusive

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Number of analysed samples: 657

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable
seasonings

267

36

Cous Cous and dried seasonings

Dried soup mixes

Noodles and dried seasonings A

Rice and dried seasonings

Pasta and dried seasonings

Mushrooms and edible fungi (dried
and fresh)

Dried fruit

Fresh fruit

Vegetables including onions

Herbal teas

Seafood
shrimps and fish

i.e.

shellfish,

prawns,

Dried food ingredients

Nuts

Food supplements

Miscellaneous B

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.26. Summary for the EU

3

23

84

2

2

4

16

22

19

5

16

28

1

18

4

514

78

0

2

9

0

0

0

0

1

3

0

11

12

0

27

0

101

16

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

EN 13751:2002;
EN 1778:2001

20

0

0

10

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

3

1

0

5

0

42

6

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

BE

CY

CZ

115

148

NAC

70

0

0

NAC

8

0

0

NAC

10

C 122/20

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

2.6.2007

Member State

Number of samples non-
irradiated

Number of samples irradiated

% of samples irradiated, not
correctly labelled

DE

DK

EE

EL

ES

FI

FR

HU

IE

IT

LV

LT

LU

MT

NL

PL

PT

SE

SK

SI

3 798

NAC

NAC

54

NI

264

80

134

439

107

NAC

12

40

NAC

761

116

NAC

6

56

10

UK

Total

514 (**)

6 724

143 (*)

NAC

NAC

0

NI

13

6

7 (*)

20

5

NAC

0

0

NAC

31

6

NAC

0

0

0

42

281

3,6

NAC

NAC

0

NI

5

7

2

4

5

NAC

0

0

NAC

4

4

NAC

0

0

0

6

4,0

No information has been forwarded by the Member State.

NI:
NAC: No analytical checks were performed in 2005.
(*) Germany and Hungary found respectively 2 and 4 samples that were legally irradiated and correctly labelled.
(**) The UK classified 101 samples as inconclusive.

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.

2.6.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 122/21

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.