Integrated Radiometric and Complementary Techniques for Mixed Contaminants and Residues in Foods

The IAEA, in partnership with the FAO, recognizes the food safety challenges faced by Member States, including exposure to a wide range of chemical hazards that can harm consumer health, cause economic losses when standards are not met and disrupt food trade. Previous Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) focused on individual hazard groups. However, testing laboratories and regulatory authorities identified a need for methods that can detect multiple chemical hazards simultaneously. Such approaches are more cost-effective, simplify analytical work and support national authorities in managing risks associated with combined exposure to different chemical hazards. To address this need, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture implemented this CRP. The project developed isotopic, radiometric and complementary techniques capable of simultaneously detecting mycotoxins, pesticide residues and veterinary drug residues. It also developed techniques that use minute amounts of chemicals, reducing analytical costs while safeguarding human and environmental health. In addition, the CRP generated new knowledge that contributes to a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance.