R02013: Radioactivity in uncommon seafood
Wednesday 16 June 2004
This research project aims to measure the radioactivity in edible but uncommonly consumed seafood.
Background
The Agency's radiological monitoring programme generally samples commercial seafoods. However, there is the potential for uncommon, but edible seafoods to be eaten by local fishing communities. This project aims to identify if there are any uncommon seafoods particularly high in radioactivity which might be eaten by some consumers.
Research Approach
Selected species of seaweed, molluscs, crustacea, echinoderms and fish were collected from three main coastal locations near nuclear sites: the Cumbria coast near Sellafield, the Anglesey coast near Wylfa and the Bristol channel near Hinkley.
Results and findings
This survey measured the radioactivity in edible but uncommonly consumed seafood.
The radiological measurements made on the species sampled showed that detectable levels of radioactivity were generally similar to or lower than those for related species regularly analysed from the same areas as part of the Agency's radiological monitoring programme. The monitoring programme will therefore continue to rely on commonly eaten species.
The monitoring programme is reported in the annual Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report, to view the 2002 RIFE report please click here.
Dissemination information
Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr. Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (020 7276 8181/8182 or at library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk