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The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) carried out an inspection activity with the aim to reveal using of so-called ionising radiation in foodstuffs. The inspectors detected whether producers stated on the labelling that ionising radiation had been used as required both by national and European legislation or whether it is possible to detect ionising radiation also in those foodstuffs on which labelling this information is not stated. Failing to state the information in the case of an irradiated foodstuff, the producer would violate relevant legislation. CAFIA also checked whether foodstuffs not allowed to be treated by this technology were treated that way.

Within this inspection activity the inspectors took 30 samples out of which 24 sampled could be submitted to a laboratory analysis. All samples were assessed as compliant, irradiation was not proved in any of them.

CAFIA inspectors focused, inter alia, on commodities at which previous results proved treating with ionising radiation. In particular spices, herbal teas, instant soups containing a bag with spices, dried garlic, dried mushrooms or food supplements were concerned.

Treatment with ionising radiation is, according to experts, in the interest of public health protection as it may effectively substitute for example use of fuminants and prevent thus occurrence of contamination of foodstuffs with harmful organisms, mostly in the case of dried herbs and spices.

Treatment with ionising radiation is still an open issue in certain countries of the European Union and some consumers have concerns about this beneficial method. That is why the requirement for labelling of foodstuffs and ingredients treated this way was established so that consumers could make an informed decision based on their preferences. Producers shall indicate statement “irradiated” or “treated with ionising radiation” on the foodstuffs which underwent this process.

Article by: Mgr. Pavel Kopřiva – CAFIA Spokesperson, phone: +420 542 426 633   

22^nd January 2021