Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2006
Date: 2008-11-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, data collection, exchange of information, food inspection, foodstuff, irradiation, perishable goods

6.11.2008

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Official Journal of the European Union

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Report from the Commission on food irradiation for the year 2006

(2008/C 282/04)

SUMMARY

Under Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 February
1999 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning foods and food ingredients treated
with ionising radiation (1), the Member States have to forward to the Commission every year:

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

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

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

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

1.

LEGAL BASIS AND BACKGROUND

Under Article 7(3) of Directive 1999/2/EC, the Member States are required to forward to the 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 2006 to 31 December 2006.

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

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.
(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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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, 7 Member States have notified that they maintain national authorisations for certain foods
in accordance with Article 4(4) of Directive 1999/2/EC. The list of national authorisations has been
published by the Commission (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 2006 confirmed the compliance of the irradiation facility
Sterigenics SA with the requirements of Directive 1999/2/EC.

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

Food

Frog legs

Fish and shellfish

Herbs and spices

Poultry

Meat

Eggs poudre

Vegetables

Dehydrated blood

Gum Arabic

Dried fruits

Others

Total

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

Amount
(t)

2 784,3

504,4

433,2

295,5

224,6

167,2

73,2

30,0

17,7

1,1

949,4

5 480,6

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2.2. Czech Republic

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

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

Food

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

Total

2.3. Germany

Amount
(t)

79,5

79,5

Overall average absorbed
radiation dose
(kGy)

5-10

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

(a) Gamma Service Produktbestrahlung GmbH, Radeberg

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

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

Food

Spices and herbs

Dried vegetables

Total

Quantity
(t)

168,7

69,3

238,0

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

<10

<10

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

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

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

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

Food

Quantity
(t)

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

Spices and herbs

Fresh vegetables

Dried vegetables

Total

4,5

3,4

9,9

17,8

4-10

6-10

6-9

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries.

(c) Isotron Deutschland GmbH, Allershausen

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

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

Food

Quantity
(t)

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

Spices and herbs

Vegetables

Total

64,3

18,9

83,2

5-10

10

All foodstuffs irradiated were exported to third countries.

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

No food products were irradiated in this facility in 2006.

2.4. Spain

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

(a) Ionmed Esterilización, SA

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

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

Food

Quantity
(t)

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

Dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings

290,6

<10

(b) Aragogamma, SA

No food products were irradiated in this facility in 2006.

2.5.

France

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

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

Food

Herbs, spices and dried vegetables

Gum arabic

Poultry

Frozen frog legs

Total

Quantity
(t)

110

149

1 780

965

3 004

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

10

3

5

5

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2.6. Hungary

According to the official inspection made by the competent authority in 2006, the irradiation facility
Agroster Besugárzó Rt. (Budapest, Jászberényi út 5.) was in compliance with the requirements of
Directive 1999/2/EC.

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

Food

Spices, spice peppers

Dehydrated products

Herbs

Total

2.7.

Italy

Quantity
(t)

36,3

13,6

75,0

124,9

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

4-8

3-6

3-8

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

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

Food

Dried aromatic herbs and vegetable condiments

Total

Quantity
(t)

2,4

2,4

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

9

2.8. The Netherlands

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

No of boards in Ede

No of boards in Etten-Leur

Spices/Herbs

Dehydrated vegetables

Poultry meat (frozen)

Shrimps (cooled)

Shrimps (frozen)

Frog parts

Egg white (cooled)

Food (1)

Samples food

Total

1 175

404

217

65

216

160

670

47

3 023

242

1 691

5

36

0

84

0

1 353

2

3 377

(1) Products intended for exports to third countries.

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

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2.9. Poland

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

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

Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw

Food

Dry spices, dried flavoured herbs, vegetable spices

Quantity
(t)

616,7

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

5-10

Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Technical University of Lodz

Food

Spices

Total

2.10. The United Kingdom

Quantity
(t)

0,45

0,45

Average absorbed dose
(kGy)

7-10

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

The facility did not irradiate any food under the terms of its licence in 2006.

2.11. Summary for the EU

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

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

3.

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

The Member States submitted the following information:

3.1. Austria

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 138

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Basil

Oregano

Marjoram

Paprika

Pepper

Rosemary

3

10

4

10

14

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

CEN method used

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

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Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 138

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Thyme

Herbal tea

Chicken

Turkey

Duck

Goose

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.2. Belgium

5

51

19

6

10

3

138

100

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

CEN method used

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1788/EN 13751

EN 1786

EN 1786

EN 1786

EN 1786

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

Number of analysed samples: 100

Food analysed

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled
(origin)

CEN method used

Spices

Dried fruit and vegetables

Fresh strawberries

Food supplements

Shrimps

Crustaceans and molluscs

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.3. Cyprus

9

21

11

17

22

19

99

99

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

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

3.4. Czech Republic

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 115

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

Spices

Herbal tea products

Food supplements

22

13

7

0

1

EN 1788

EN 1788

2 (1)

EN 1788

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Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 115

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

9

30

15

12

3

111

96,5

1 (2)

EN 1788

EN 1788/EN 1785

EN 1785

EN 1785

EN 1785

0

0

0

0

4

3,5

Instant noodles

Fresh fruits

Poultry

Fish and shellfish

Shrimps

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

(1) Dried pressed herb.
(2)

Irradiated spice mixture.

3.5. Germany

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

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

labelled,

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

not labelled,

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

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 4 137

Result:
non-irradiated

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

Milk/milk products

Cheese with herbs

Butter with herbs

Eggs, egg products

(including frozen meat, except

Meat
poultry, game)

Meat products (except sausages)

Sausages

Poultry

41

58

29

6

18

39

58

141

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

CEN method used

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

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

EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1784

EN 1784; EN 1786

EN 1784; EN 1786

EN 1784; EN 1786; EN 1787;
EN 1788

EN 1784 mod.; EN 1786

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Number of analysed samples: 4 137

Result:
non-irradiated

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

Food analysed

Game

Fish and fisheries products

shellfish, mussels

Crustaceans,
and
other aquatic animals including their
products

Pulses

Soups, sauces

Cereals and ceral products

Oil seeds

Nuts

Potatoes, parts of plants with high
content of starch

Fresh vegetables, salad

Dried vegetables, vegetable products

Mushrooms, fresh

Mushrooms,
products

Fresh fruits

Dried fruits or fruit products

Cacao powder

Kaffee, raw

Teas, tea-like products

Ready-to-serve meals

12

140

258

47

175

34

52

102

56

72

78

18

109

200

11

5

431

21

dried

or mushroom

199

CEN method used

EN 1784; EN 1786

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

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

EN 1787, EN 1788

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

EN 1788;

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

EN 1784; EN 1788

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

EN 13751; EN 1788

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787;
EN 1788

EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1788; EN 1375

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787;
EN 1788

EN 1787; EN 1788; EN 1784

EN 13708; EN 13751; EN 1787;
EN 1788

EN 13751, EN 1788

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

EN 13751; EN 1786; EN 1787;
EN 1788

0

0

4

0

18

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

5

0

0

0

3

0

Spices,
seasoning salt

including preparations

and

1 339

16

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

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Food analysed

Herbs

Dry prepared meals

Asian noodle snacks, party snacks,
pizza, TV snacks

Food supplements

Other

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

Number of analysed samples: 4 137

Result:
non-irradiated

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

84

43

82

87

21

4 066

98,4

0

1

4

11

1

66

1,6

CEN method used

EN 13751, EN 1787, EN 1788

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

EN 1788; PSL

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

EN 13751; EN 1787; EN 1788

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

3.6. Denmark

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

3.7. Estonia

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

Food analysed

Spices

Tea

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

Number of analysed samples: 10

Result:
non-irradiated

Result: irradiated,
not correctly
labelled

5

5

10

100

0

0

0

0

CEN method used

PSL, EN 13751

PSL, EN 13751

3.8. Greece

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 3

Result:
non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Herbs and spices

Tea

Total

2

1

3

Total in % of analysed samples

100

EN 13751 (PSL)

EN 13751 (PSL)

0

0

0

0

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3.9. Spain

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

3.10. Finland

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

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 246

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Dried spices and herbs

Food supplements

Seafood products

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.11. France

139

67

10

216

88

19

10

1

30

12

CEN method used

EN 13751; EN 1788

EN 13751; EN 1788

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 216

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Frozen snail meat

Dried mushrooms

Vegetable based food supplements

Crustaceans and shellfish

Frogs legs

Dried fruit

Spices and herbs

Dried vegetables and derivates

Small red fruit and other berries

Dehydrated asian noodle snacks

Shrimps

2

71

11

45

3

1

16

13

4

14

10

0

0

5

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

24

EN 1788

2

0

0

0

0

1

0

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

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Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 216

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Dried, grated coconut pulp

Tea and infusions

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3

1

184

85

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

0

32

15

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

3.12. Hungary

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 104

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Spices

Tea

Food supplements

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.13. Ireland

80

23

1

102

98

1

0

1

2

2

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 452

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

CEN method used

EN 13751 for screening,
confirmation by EN 1788

Noodles

Sauces & soups

Seasonings/Stocks

Herbs & spices

Coffee and tea (including herbal teas)

Seeds

Cereal, bakery and yeast

Food supplements/vitamins

Fruit and vegetables

Miscellaneous

Total

Total in % of total analysed

107

10

38

220

43

13

8

9

1

3

439

97 %

1

0

3

8

0

0

0

1

0

0

13

3 %

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3.14. Italy

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 66

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated, not
correctly labelled

Spices, herbs and vegetable extracts

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

66

66

66

0

0

0

CEN method used

EN 13784

3.15. Latvia

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

3.16. Lithuania

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 30

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

Tea

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

7

22

29

100

0

1

1

3

CEN method used

LST EN 13783:2004

LST EN 13783:2004

3.17. Luxembourg

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 20

Result: non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

CEN method used

Spices

Dried fruit

Tea

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.18. Malta

15

1

4

20

100

EN 1788

EN 1788

EN 1788

0

0

0

0

0

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

3.19. The Netherlands

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

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3.20. Poland

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 139

Result:
non-irradiated

Result: irradiated,
not correctly
labelled

Dried herbs,
seasonings

spices

and vegetable

Potatoes

Onion and garlic

Poultry

Unshelled nuts

Prawns, fish

Fresh fruits

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

3.21. Portugal

51

3

21

1

34

22

7

137

99

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

1

CEN method used

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

EN 1786; EN 1787; EN 1788

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

3.22. Sweden

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

3.23. Slovakia

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 37

Result:
non-irradiated

Result: irradiated

Method used

Pistachio, different kind of nuts

Cheese

Duck

Total

18

17

2

37

Total in % of analysed samples

100

GC

GC

GC

0

0

0

0

0

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3.24. Slovenia

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

Food analysed

Number of analysed samples: 40

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
inconclusive

Result: irradiated

Spices and herbs

Food supplements

Dried soup mixes

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

10

8

10

28

70

0

4

5

9

0

3

0

3

22,5

7,56

CEN method used

EN 13751

EN 1788; EN 13751

EN 1788; EN 13751

3.25. The United Kingdom

The Food Standards Agency is aware of 530 products that were sampled by United Kingdom local
enforcement authorities in 2006 and analysed using standardised detection tests for irradiated food.
Of these 530 samples, 49 (nine percent) were found to be irradiated. The samples reported as ‘incon-
clusive’ were identified as intermediate using CEN method EN 13751:2002 and were not analysed
further; or were samples of ‘low sensitivity’ such that the mineral grain fraction of the samples was
insufficient to carry out accurate analysis.

Food analysed

Result:
non-irradiated

Result:
inconclusive

Result: irradiated

Method used

Number of analysed samples: 530

Dried herbs, spices and vegetable
seasonings

Cous Cous and dried seasonings

Dried soup mixes

Noodles and dried seasonings

Rice and dried seasonings

Pasta and dried seasonings

Sauces (liquid/frozen)

Dried fruit

Vegetables including onions

Teas

Oil

Fish/seafood i.e. shellfish, prawns

Food supplements

Miscellaneous

Total

Total in % of analysed samples

253

22

20

EN 13751; EN 1778

3

10

64

3

2

14

5

9

11

4

4

52

5

439

83

0

2

6

1

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

9

0

42

8

0

0

7

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

16

0

49

9

C 282/18

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

6.11.2008

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

BE

CY

CZ

DE

DK

EE

EL

ES

FI

FR

HU

IE

IT

LV

LT

LU

MT

NL

PL

PT

SE

SK

SI

UK

Total

138

99

NAC

111

4 066

NAC

10

3

NAC

216

184

102

439

66

NI

29

20

NI

NI

137

NI

8

37

28 (*)

439 (*)

6 134

0

1

NAC

4

71

NAC

0

0

NAC

30

32

2

13

0

NI

1

0

NI

NI

2

NI

0

0

3

49

203

0

1

NAC

3,5

1,6

NAC

0

0

NAC

12

15

2

3

0

NI

3

0

NI

NI

1

NI

0

0

8

9

3,3

No information has been forwarded by the Member State.

NI:
NAC: No analytical checks were performed in 2006.

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

6.11.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 282/19

4.

CONCLUSIONS

4.1. Results of checks carried out in irradiation facilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In general,

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

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

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

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