Foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation. Framework Directive

The Commission presented its report on food irradiation for the year 2002. The report is based on the information sent by the Member States: - in 2002, irradiation facilities had approval in seven Member States, but some Member States did not provide all the information requested with respect to food categories treated, quantities or doses; - as in 2001, eight Member States performed checks on foods placed on the market, whereas seven did not perform analytical checks during the period covered. In total, about 5000 food samples have been checked in 2002. Again the number of samples analysed differs widely from one to another Member State. About 1.4 % 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 2002, four Member States (United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and The Netherlands) performed checks on dietary supplements and still found that 29.4 % of the products checked had been irradiated. As the treatment of these products by ionising radiation is not allowed in the EU, the Commission expects that the numbers of checks of these products are increased in all Member States and that irradiated dietary supplements are withdrawn from the EU market. On the basis of the available information, the Commission concludes that overall the situation has not changed compared to 2001. Also, the number of Member States carrying out controls has not increased, except for dietary supplements.