EU unable to agree on proper controls

EUROPEAN consumers are concerned irradiation is being used to lengthen the shelf life of their fruit and vegetables.

But the practice is not illegal because European Union members have been unable to agree on laws governing use of the technology.

Countries require that irradiated food be labelled. But food producers are suspected of irradiating fruit and vegetables already rejected because of high mould or insect counts.

The suspicion is so common the process has become known as 'Dutching', because the Netherlands is a major supplier.

A member of the European Parliament voiced concern this month about the growing number of fruits and vegetables appearing in European shops with shelf lives of several months.

But Industry Commissioner Martin Bangemann said the directive laying down standards and controls on irradiation use had not yet been passed, leaving import authorities powerless to prevent the practice unless under national laws.

Only Britain had specific legislation detailing methods of irradiation allowed for vegetables, he said.