Fear not the cranberries

The gastronomic delights of Christmas appear to be the focus of current research at the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). Earlier this week we reported on a recent study of dried fruit - destined for mince-pies and Christmas pudding. Yesterday, attention turned to the red berry accompaniment to turkey - cranberries.

Following a recent survey, the FSA reported that levels of radioactive caesium in cranberry products sold in the UK are low and raise no food safety concerns.

The small survey was carried out after higher than expected levels of radioactivity were found in a consignment of concentrated cranberry juice exported from Germany in August 2002. According to the FSA, this consignment was returned and did not enter the UK food chain.

All products analysed as part of the FSA survey​, to include juices, sauces, jams and jellies, contained low levels of radioactivity and only four were above the reporting level of five Becquerels/kilogram (Bq/kg). This level was chosen because it is well below the limit for food entering the EU and above the background level of radiation.

Good news for cranberry lovers, scientists at the FSA have estimated that even consumers eating very large quantities of these products would receive only a small dose of radioactivity. This dose would be lower than the annual average dose from natural radiation in food.

Radioactive caesium can enter the food chain following authorised discharges from nuclear sites or during accidental releases. Levels in food imported from countries outside the EU affected by the accident at the nuclear plant at Chernobyl in 1986 are governed by EU regulations.

Products used in the survey were bought from a wide range of retail outlets, including major supermarkets, independent retailers, and chemists.