Radioactive blueberries on markets: how to protect yourself

Radioactively contaminated blueberries of Chernobyl origin were found at markets in the Kyiv region. Radiation examination of berry samples confirmed the presence of cesium-137 in them.

This conclusion was made by experts of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (SSTC NRS) after analyzing four blueberry samples purchased at natural markets in the Sviatoshyn district of Kyiv and Boyarka (Kyiv region).

“It should be noted that cesium-137 is not usually registered in food”, Head of SSTC Radiation Protection Department Volodymyr Bohorad commented. “In the blueberries purchased in Boyarka, the level of radionuclides is about 227 Bq/kg. This fact should get attention”.

It should be recalled that food safety and quality are controlled by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection and its regional offices. In particular, in Boyarka this control is performed by the Kyiv-Sviatoshyn Department of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

To protect yourself from unwanted purchase at natural markets, SSTC NRS experts advise to require the sellers to show conclusions of the laboratories for veterinary health and safety review assigned to examine food products.

Uatom.org Editorial Board