Potential new methods of detection of irradiated food

The irradiation of food by X- and gamma-rays and by electron beams is a technological process which may be used for food preservation in addition to heat or chemical treatment. The role of the Community Bureau of Reference - the BCR programme - in this area is to support the development and the improvement of analytical methods required for the preparation and implementation of the European legislation. In this context, after consultation of specialists in the Member States and the EFTA countries, it was decided that the BCR should undertake a collaborative project for the identification of irradiated food. The aim of the Cadarache workshop was to examine the development of new methods of detection and to set up a concerted research action covering four areas: DNA based methods; microbiological and biological methods; physical methods; chemical methods