Decree of the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the treatment of foodstuffs with ionizing radiation (No. 852 of 2000).

The present Decree, of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, implements Directive 1999/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning foods and food ingredients treated with ionizing radiation, as well as Directive 1999/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Community list of foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation. The Decree applies to the manufacture, marketing, and import of foodstuffs and food ingredients that have been treated with ionizing radiation (irradiated). Irradiated foodstuffs must be of sound quality and is only permitted where there is a reasonable technical necessity. Irradiation must not be used as a substitute for hygiene and health measures or good manufacturing or agricultural practices. It may only be carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Decree and the action must be to the benefit of the consumer. Irradiation of foodstuffs may only be used for the following purposes: 1) To reduce the occurrence of foodborne diseases by destroying pathogenic organisms; 2) To reduce food spoilage by delaying or preventing the degradation process and by destroying the organisms causing this process; 3) To reduce food loss due to premature ripening, growth, or sprouting, and; 4) To remove organisms harmful to plants or plant products from foodstuffs.
The Decree contains 20 sections organized in the following chapters: 1. General provisions; 2. Irradiation of foodstuffs; 3. Foodstuffs that may be irradiated; 4. Packaging materials and labels; 5. Irradiation Facilities; 6. Other supervision; 7. Special provisions.