Measurement and analysis of radioactivity in food
Phytocontrol supports you with your radioactivity measurements in all foodstuffs to ensure the safety of consumers and customers with regard to potential contamination risks.
Radioactivity is a physical phenomenon that occurs at the nucleus of the atom for certain isotopes. It can have a natural origin due to the instability of isotopes of certain elements in the periodic table, or an artificial origin obtained through industrial techniques (civil, military or research).
The monitoring plan is part of the radiological monitoring of the environment and health safety related to radionuclides found in the environment following nuclear accidents (e.g. Chernobyl, Fukushima).
Significant contamination can be found in mushrooms, essential oils, fruit purées, algae, etc.
What are the regulations on radioactivity in food?
Chernobyl:
- 370 Bq/kg for milk, dairy products and food for infants and young children
- 600 Bq/kg for all other products
Fukushima:
- 50 Bq/kg for food for infants and young children
- 50 Bq/kg for milk and milk-based beverages
- 10 Bq/kg for mineral waters and similar beverages, tea obtained by infusion of unfermented leaves
- 500 Bq/kg for dried tea leaves
- 100 Bq/kg for other foodstuffs
Regulation 2016/52 also sets maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination in Iodine 131 for food and feed following a nuclear accident or any other radiological emergency situation.
The Phytocontrol solution
The laboratory is able to analyse and quantify the activity of gamma-emitting radionuclides in an energy range of 40 keV to 2000 keV using gamma spectrometry, in both solid and liquid foodstuffs.
Phytocontrol complies with the regulation by offering a Cs134 + Cs137 pack and a Cs134 + Cs137 + I131 pack.
The laboratory also offers analysis of the following radionuclides: Cobalt 58, Cobalt 60, Americium 241, Lead 210, Radon 226, Potassium 40, Beryllium 7, Thorium 232, Europium 152, etc. Phytocontrol uses state-of-the-art technology (gamma spectrometry), which is eco-responsible (coupled with a liquid nitrogen recycler, non-destructive analysis) and offers a fast turnaround time of 3 to 5 days.
Need technical, regulatory or pricing information? Our customer service is available from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
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