DOSIMETRY AND IDENTIFICATION AS A TOOL FOR OFFICIAL CONTROL OF FOOD IRRADIATION

For many years authorities have been concerned about irradiated food being on the market without clearance and appropriate approval. Now, while the practical utilization of radiation processing of food is growing, detection of illegally irradiated food is no longer the main challenge to authorities. The task of official control of food irradiation and the available tools of dosimetry and identification are discussed. Their relevance with regard to the several types of regulations is analysed. Detection of irradiated products which are not labelled is now possible for any likely application of food irradiation. It may also become possible to detect products which falsely claim to have been irradiated. Verification that a product has been irradiated within specified dose limits must rely on dosimetry and the records thereof at the irradiation facility. This is very important for the enforcement of Good Irradiation Practice.