I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 22 and 179 together.
There is no irradiation of food taking place in this country and no commercial enterprise has applied to the Nuclear Energy Board under the nuclear energy order, 1977 to use an irradiation device in regard to food.
At present there is no test to determine whether a foodstuff has been irradiated. Labelling of irradiated foodstuffs will ensure that the consumer is properly informed. The EC is currently addressing the question of the labelling of irradiated foodstuffs and, when the relevant EC Directives are adopted, these will form the basis of Irish legislation in this area.
Irradiation is a widely accepted technology for the preservation of food and the destruction of harmful food pathogens.Following extensive international research the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, and the International Atomic Energy Agency have accepted the safety of the process and have approved food irradiation for use on certain foods at specified levels.
The foodstuffs which are being irradiated abroad at present and are most likely to be eventually imported into Ireland are strawberries and spices. The other foods which are more commonly irradiated abroad are grains, potatoes, mushrooms and chicken products.
Officials of my Department are currently involved in the preparation of an EC Directive to regulate food irradiation, which will include specific labelling requirements.