Food additives and some food products processed in the United States that are exported to some countries may be required to have their product analyzed annually for radionuclide activity to ensure that the product is clear of radiological exposure. A 500 ml subsample is packed into a marinelli beaker, weighed and analyzed for gamma-emitting radionuclides over a 12,000 second time frame. The maximum permitted activity for consumption for products such as poultry is 180 Bq/kg, but may vary based on the product. Please contact CAIS for specific sample processing needs based on the product.
For beta emitting radionuclides, a subsample is digested with nitric acid. The remaining solution is placed in a centrifuge and then approximately 1.5 g by weight liquid is transferred to a 25 ml vial. 15 ml of LSC cocktail is added and the sample is placed in a LSC for counting. Activity above 14C will be utilized for determining the total beta-emitting radionuclides with a maximum allowable activity of 80 Bq/kg. Please contact CAIS for specific sample processing needs based on the product.