EU Regulation 2020/1158 on the conditions governing imports of foodstuffs and feedingstuffs originating in third countries following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station.
Radioactivity
What is radioactivity?
How to detect radioactive foods?
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon linked to the spontaneous decay of unstable atoms, called radionuclides, which emit radiation. While part of this radioactivity is naturally occurring, human activities such as atmospheric nuclear tests or certain major nuclear accidents (such as Chernobyl and Fukushima) have also contributed to the dispersal of radionuclides into the environment.
This radioactivity is monitored under legislation that requires the control of radioactivity in food and environmental elements.
Detection relies on laboratory analyses using specialised equipment, such as gamma spectrometry or alpha and beta radioactivity measurements. These techniques identify and quantify the radionuclides present in food (caesium-137, iodine-131, strontium-90, etc.) and verify their compliance with regulatory thresholds.
Maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination for foodstuffs and feedingstuffs placed on the market have been set out in the following regulations:
EU Regulation 2016/52 sets maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination in Iodine 131.
EXPERTISE
Phytocontrol offers to check the radioactivity of your products
for the following elements:
- Caesium 134
- Caesium 137
- Iodine 131
- Cobalt 58
- Cobalt 60
- Lead 210
- Radium 226
- Potassium 40
- Barium 133
- Silver 110
- Beryllium 7
- Thorium 232
- Uranium 238
- Europium 152
- Americium 241
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for radionuclide analyses in products of animal origin and foodstuffs intended for human or animal consumption.
Testimonial
Christophe shares his experience with Phytocontrol to secure
his aromatic herbs
Our aromatic herbs are subject to strict health safety requirements. The radioactivity analyses carried out by Phytocontrol allow us to verify the compliance of our products and assess any contamination risk linked to their geographical origin. We particularly appreciate the reliability of the results, the responsiveness of the teams and their technical support, which allow us to carry out our checks with confidence.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
Discover 2 key training courses to quickly boost your skills
-
Chemical contaminants
Understand the issues related to radioactive contaminants in foodstuffs.
7 hoursRegistration -
Good sampling practices
Ensure compliant sampling for reliable analyses.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisers respond within 24 hours. Tell us what you need.
SECTORS
Products affected by radioactivity
Phytocontrol laboratory supports food industry professionals in detecting and controlling radioactivity to ensure product compliance and consumer safety.
