Nuclear methods for food analysis at the U. S. Food and Drug Administration

An overview of radioanalytical techniques used in support of research,monitoring programs, and field assignments directed by the U. S. Food andDrug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)is presented. The Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center annually determinesradionuclide concentrations in 260 Total Diet Study foods, approximately 80imported foods, and a selection of domestic foods collected near U. S. nuclearpower plants. Radioanalytical techniques used at CFSAN's neutron activationanalysis laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technologyare discussed along with applications for research, quality control, and specialprojects.