Ireland Censors Irradiated, Unlabeled Supplements

Ireland Censors Irradiated, Unlabeled Supplements

DUBLIN--The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) (www.fsai.ie)removed 10 herbal supplements from sale because they were irradiated and notlabeled as such. "Labeling of foods that have been irradiated is mandatoryunder EU law," FSAI reported.

In Ireland, there are currently no facilities authorized to irradiate food.However, foods that have been legally irradiated and labeled appropriately arepermitted on the Irish market.

"Contrary to some beliefs, irradiated foods are not radioactive and,according to the World Health Organization and other international healthbodies, pose no threat to human health," said Alan Reilly, FSAI's deputychief executive. "However, it is crucial that the food industry is aware ofits legal obligations in regard to food irradiation so that consumers can beassured that this technology is being used in a constructive and verifiablemanner."