EN 13784:2001

Foodstuffs - DNA Comet Assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs - Screening method

Publication date:   Oct 23, 2003

Scope

This European Standard specifies a screening method for foods which contain DNA. It is based on micro-gel electrophoresis of single cells or nuclei to detect DNA fragmentation presumptive to irradiation treatment [1] to [8]. The DNA Comet Assay is not radiation specific, therefore, it is recommended to confirm positive results using a standardized method to specifically prove an irradiation treatment of the respective food, e.g. EN 1784, EN 1785, EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13708, and prEN 13751.
Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out with a number of food products, both of animal and plant origin such as various meats [9] to [11], seeds, dried fruits and spices [6], [12]. Other studies [13] to [32] demonstrate that the method is applicable to a large variety of foodstuffs, but also that limitations exist (see clause 8).