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From Aktuelt (Denmark)
Wednesday, 16 August 2000
translated from the Danish

CONSUMERS ARE SKEPTICAL
European Union countries would irradiate

List of Permitted Foods for Radiation EU is in the process of revising the list of foods that may be irradiated. Right now only spices are on the list, but several countries now propose that, among other things, vegetables, chicken, eggs, tea, fish and oysters should be added.

By Mette Thorn

Right now, dried spices are the only products on EU's list of foodstuffs that may be irradiated. But the list may now be extended, and there is momentum in the proposals coming from several EU countries. Examples are: chickens, vegetables, fruit, dried fruits and nuts, tea, grain for breakfast cereals, fish, oysters, and egg products. Most of the proposals come from Belgium and France, while Denmark has not proposed any extension of the list.

"The Danish view is that spices are enough and that there is at present no need to extend the list," says civil engineer Niels Kildemark from the Foodstuffs Directorate. Irradiation is a particular, an according to the experts, totally risk-free way to extend the shelf life or to reduce the risk of salmonella infection or other food poisoning. Yet many consumers are not enthusiastic about the method. "In Denmark we don't think there is any need for irradiation, but others maybe think it is a cheap way to eliminate salmonella, if irradiated chicken is allowed," says Niels Kildemark.

Skeptical Europeans

The proposals have to go through a long consideration process. The proposals must, among other things, meet EU's own standards for permission for irradiation: *There must be a responsibility demonstrated technological need. *Irradiation should hold no health risk. *It must be an advantage for consumers. *Irradiation must not substitute for hygienic or healthful practices either in processing or in agriculture.

It is an open question whether irradiation of chickens can meet EU's conditions. "So far we have no indication that the conditions are met," says Niels Kildemark. He won't predict how many of the proposals will be accepted, but says, "My impression is that people here at home have a very strong opinion about irradiation, while others are more nonchalant. In all, I believe, however, that all Europeans are skeptical, and no matter how this turns out, consumers will always have a choice, since all irradiated foodstuffs must be labeled.

Irradiation is not wanted

If irradiation is permitted in, for example, egg products, this still won't be done with Danish products, says Thorkil Ambrose, Department Chief in the Danish Poultry Council. "The opinion of both our egg producers and our retailers is against irradiation. It isn't something that we will go forward with, considering the uncertainty and the strong consumer opposition that exists," says Thorkil Ambrosen. Neither do the Danish chicken producers like the idea of irradiation. "There are so many people who oppose irradiation that I can't imagine that it will ever come to pass," says Henrik Bunkenborn of Danish Broilers.

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