RRD 29: Programme A05 – Food irradiation - Research in support of detection tests and the provision of scientific advice

Research in this programme is intended to develop and implement policy on food irradiation and provide scientific advice as required. It includes work related to ensuring consumer choice and protection by enabling the Agency to provide the best possible advice and information on irradiated food. Examples of previous topics in this area have included;

• Commissioning surveys
• Developing detection tests
• Commissioning literature reviews

Can 2-alkly cyclobutanones be detected in non-irradiated food?

The irradiation of fatty acids yields 2-alkyl cyclobutanones (CBs) in small amounts, they have not been found in non-irradiated products and their detection is central to EN 1785, a standardised method of identifying irradiated fat containing foods. Research is required to determine if CBs can be detected in non-irradiated food or food processed by means other than irradiation.

The research should include a literature search and also examine representative fatty foods (poultry and beef for example). It may involve examining pure fatty acids in the first instance to determine the feasibility of generating CBs and the processing parameters to maximise yields. If necessary, appropriately treated food could then be analysed to determine levels of CBs produced in food under maximising conditions or, should CBs not be detected it will provide an upper-bound estimate of the levels of CBs that could be present in non-irradiated food. It will be necessary to demonstrate a low limit of detection.

Since this detection test was first developed in the 1990’s there have been advances in analytical techniques and new methods of isolating and detecting CBs are available (e.g. super-critical fluid extraction techniques and silver ion chromatography). Meat and poultry products are being irradiated in some countries and this research may support the application of EN 1785 to a broader range of fat containing foods. It could lay the foundations for further research to validate the detection of irradiated products like raw and processed beef.

Proposals are therefore invited to:

Requirement Reference: A05R0008 - Review literature to investigate if 2-alkyl cyclobutanones (CBs) could be present in non-irradiated food, and undertake experiments to determine if CBs can be detected and quantified in non-irradiated food

Irradiation and inspection devices that use ionising radiation

A 'horizon-scanning' investigation is required to examine the use of inspection devices and ensure that future developments will not unduly affect food safety and are not caught by the provisions of food irradiation regulations.

Devices that use x-rays or neutrons can be used to detect objects in bulk cargo, baggage and packages. Routine use of such security devices has become more widespread; for example at ports. The Agency has received enquiries from members of the public, prison staff, airport workers, and the food industry regarding such devices and the safety of food.

Food irradiation regulations exempt inspection devices that operate below specific energy and imparted dose limits. Powerful x-ray or neutron irradiation devices operating in excess of these limits could induce short-lived radioactivity in food and potentially cause it to become unsafe for a short but significant time and technically non-compliant with food irradiation regulations.

Although the Agency is not aware of “routine” inspection devices that operate above these limits, understanding and anticipating potential developments in surveillance and inspection devices could contribute to the Agency’s Strategic Plan target: We will develop effective interventions to tackle food safety problems at source before they become incidents. Although devices operating above exemption limits would be caught by the food irradiation regulations, this legislation does not provide for the control of such food. This research would indicate if additional controls may be necessary.

Proposals are therefore invited to:

Requirement Reference: A05R0009 - Review the current application of inspection devices that utilise ionising radiation and “horizon-scan” potential future developments in this technology in order to determine if additional measures may be necessary to protect the interests of consumers

Before preparing your proposals please contact the named person below for advice and information on the specific scientific issues or the policy background/objectives:

Stuart Conney, Food Protection Division,
Tel: 0207 276 8782; Fax: 0207 276 8788;
E-mail: stuart.conney@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

Proposals should be sent, to be received by 17:00 hrs on Thursday 11 December 2008 to:

E-mail: FSA_Remind@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

Post:
Stuart Conney
Food Protection Division
Food Standards Agency
Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH