ABSTRACT
Radionuclides are present in foodstuffs as a consequence of their occurrence in the environment. They can be classied according to their origin: anthropogenic radionuclides released due to nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, and naturally occurring radionuclides, related mainly to a different geologic composition of the earth’s crust. These radionuclides can be transferred into foodstuffs and/or accumulated in foodstuffs, the main pathway for their incorporation in humans. Thus, the protection of population against exposure of radionuclides in foodstuffs follows the general reference level of 1 mSv/year above background for all sources of ionizing radiation (ICRP, 1999). This protection is enforced by international treaties. Consolidated version of Articles 35 and 36 of EURATOM treaty takes the public protection to radioactivity into account (EU, 2010).
