Survey for Irradiated Foods – Herbs and Spices, Dietary Supplements and Prawns and Shrimps (Number 25/02)

Friday 7 June 2002

Food Survey Information Sheet

In the UK, only correctly labelled irradiated herbs and spices are permitted.
543 samples without declared irradiated ingredients covering 3 food categories (203 herbs and spices, 138 dietary supplements and 202 prawns and shrimps) were analysed.
Of these samples, one of the herbs and spices, five prawns and shrimps and 58 dietary supplements were found to be irradiated or contain irradiated components.
Irradiation is used to kill bacteria that may be present in food. There are no food safety concerns arising from this survey. However, it remains an important issue of consumer choice.
The survey was undertaken for surveillance purposes and cannot be used in prosecutions. However, local authorities can undertake further sampling with a view to prosecution. There will be a further joint Food Standards Agency/local authority survey to check that the companies concerned have taken appropriate action.