FutureCeuticals Testing for Irradiation

MOMENCE, Ill.—FutureCeuticals Inc. announced it acquired in-house capability to test raw materials and finished products for the presence of irradiation treatment. The company said it is carrying out a rigorous program of raw material screening for irradiation residues, and anticipates increased demand for such quality control (QC) testing.

Boris Nemzer, director of quality assurance, said: “We have observed a number of incoming fruit and vegetable raw materials that have been tested positive for gamma radiation treatment and have not been labeled as such. In a few cases, we even found unlabeled organic raw materials that have tested positive for irradiation. The Photostimulated Luminescence test (PSL) can be conducted within a matter of minutes and provides a reliable screen for irradiation residue. Because this testing methodology is relatively inexpensive and easy to administer, we are now screening incoming raw materials prior to their being used in our manufacturing process.”

FDA has issued guidelines regarding the use of irradiation and labeling of irradiated products, and has approved the use of gamma irradiation for an array of uses. However, John Hunter, vice president and general manager, FutureCeuticals, said support from USDA and FDA has not translated universally to consumer acceptance. He added, “Our business to business customers, faced with the realization that they will need to be in strict accord with the impending 21CFR111 [GMP] regulations prior to the impending July 2009 deadline, have been sensitized to the fact that irradiated materials will be subject to regulation and that evidence of irradiation can now be easily and quickly established. Due to the new regulations and the testing regime that is now available, many customers that request non-irradiated product are demanding confirmation that materials they receive have been irradiation free through every step of the sourcing and manufacturing process.”