Key services

• Detection of irradiation treatment using validated methods such as:
  • Photostimulated luminescence (PSL)
  • Thermoluminescence (TL)
• Accredited laboratory analysis in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025
• Short turnaround times 
• Testing of a wide range of food matrices, for instance:
  • Spices, herbs, seasonings
  • Seafood and meat products
  • Dried fruits and vegetables
  • Composite and processed foods
• Support for import/export compliance with EU and international regulations
• Clear and comprehensive reporting for documentation and audits

Additional services

In addition to our core analytical services, Eurofins Food & Feed Testing provides a wide range of solutions related to irradiation:

• Consulting on regulatory labelling requirements (“irradiated” or “treated with ionising radiation”)
• Verification of irradiation facilities and processes for suppliers
• Batch screening and routine monitoring programmes
• Customised testing strategies for complex product portfolios
• Training and webinars on food irradiation and detection methods

Global use of food irradiation for extended shelf life

Approximately 200,000 tonnes of food are irradiated each year, primarily herbs and spices. Over 40 countries use the irradiation of food and supplements, or their treatment with ionising radiation, to prolong stability. This procedure can be applied to a variety of different materials for a range of purposes:

• Kill microorganisms in herbs and spices
• Prevent sprouting and germination of potatoes, onions and garlic
• Kill or sterilise insects in cereals, dried fruit, nuts and vegetables
• Defer maturing and ripening in fruit and vegetables
• Prolong the date-of-expiry by killing microorganisms in meat and fish

According to directive 1999/3/EC, irradiated food must be labelled as such in all EU member states.

Your competence centre for food irradiation

Eurofins Food & Feed Testing India provides reliable irradiation testing services to help determine whether food products and raw materials have been treated with ionising radiation. Backed by advanced analytical capabilities and the expertise of the global Eurofins network, our specialists deliver accurate and dependable results to support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Our irradiation testing services help businesses verify the processing history of their products and meet applicable regulatory and customer requirements. Through our connection to the global Eurofins Food & Feed Testing network, customers can also benefit from international expertise, harmonised analytical approaches, and specialised testing capabilities.

Legal bases and guidelines

• Directive 1999/2/EC (on the irradiation of foodstuffs and food ingredients)
• Directive 1999/3/EC (on the establishment of a Community list of foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation)
• Codex Alimentarius Guidelines (general standard for irradiated foods)