Radioactivity: repeal of regulation 2021/1533 for foodstuffs from Japan

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1453 repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1533 imposing special conditions on the import of food and feed originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

EU regulation 2021/1533 set maximum limits for the sum of Cesium-134 and Cesium-137 in foodstuffs intended for human consumption and in animal feed.

As no non-compliance with these maximum radionuclide levels on entry into the EU has been observed on imports since June 2011, the European Commission has deemed it no longer necessary to maintain the measures provided for in this implementing regulation to ensure a high level of protection of animal and public health.

The regulation comes into force on August 3, 2023.

Other regulations set maximum limits for certain radionuclides in foods:

• EU regulation 2020/1158 on import conditions for food and feed products originating in third countries following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

The maximum cumulative tolerances for radioactive contamination by Cesium-137 must not exceed :

• 370 Bq/kg for milk, dairy products and foods for infants and young children
  • 600 Bq/kg for all other products
• Regulation 2016/52 also sets maximum permissible levels of Iodine-131 radioactive contamination for food and feed after a nuclear accident or in any other radiological emergency.

Phytocontrol laboratory offers analysis of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the energy range 40 KeV to 2,000 KeV in solid and liquid foodstuffs.

Need technical, regulatory or pricing information? Our customer service is available from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday on +33 800 900 775 or service-clients@phytocontrol.com.

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