title: Derivation of working levels for radionuclides in animal feedstuffs for use following a nuclear accident.
abstract: Maximum permitted levels of radiocesium in marketed animal feedstuffs have been specified by the European Commission for use in the event of a future nuclear accident. However, more specific guidance is required for use under UK conditions. Using information on typical animal diets, relative activity concentrations in feedstuffs and feed-to-product transfer, practical working levels have been derived for (134,137)Cs and 90Sr in animal feedstuffs and drinking water; application of these levels should ensure that activity concentrations in milk, meat, or eggs do not exceed the relevant Council Food Intervention Level. Despite the complexity of some animal diets, only one or two feedstuffs typically contribute 5% or more to intakes of activity. The working levels for radiocesium in these feedstuffs ranged from a factor of 20 higher than the maximum permitted levels to a factor of around 20 lower. In most cases, the maximum permitted levels are unnecessarily cautious. Working levels for 90Sr in feedstuffs are generally higher than those for radiocesium, except for feedstuffs for dairy cattle and laying hens. Factors affecting the practicability and effectiveness of changes in diet as a countermeasure to reduce activity concentrations in animal products were also considered within this study.
authors.affiliation: National Radiological Protection Board, Didcot, Oxon, UK.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Woodman
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Nisbet
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis; D005507:Food Contamination, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry; D011847:Radioactive Fallout; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D014455:Ukraine; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D011847:Radioactive Fallout; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes