EN 1786:1996
(Main)Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing bone - Method by ESR spectroscopy
General Information
- Abstract
This draft European Standard specifies a method for the detection of meat containing bone and fish containing bone which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the bones. On the basis of results of analysis of meat containing bone from duck, frog, goose, chicken, hare, lamb, turkey, beef and pork, it is assumed that the same signals occur when other animal species are analysed.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Dec-1996
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Jun-1997
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 275 - Food analysis - Horizontal methods
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 275/WG 8 - Irradiated foodstuffs
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 05-Jun-2023
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 1786:1996 (CEN) defines a laboratory method for the detection of irradiated food containing bone by using electron spin resonance (ESR), also called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The standard covers analysis of bones from meat and fish to determine whether the product has been treated with ionizing radiation. Tests performed on species such as duck, frog, goose, chicken, hare, lamb, turkey, beef and pork indicate similar ESR/EPR signals are expected for other animal species.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of application: Detection of ionizing radiation treatment in meat and fish products that contain bone.
- Analytical technique: Use of ESR/EPR spectroscopy to measure radiation-induced free-radical signals in bone mineral and organic matrix.
- Sample selection: Bones separated from food matrices (meat or fish) are the analytical target; the standard addresses a range of common species and assumes transferability to others.
- Measurement and interpretation: Comparison of ESR spectra against non-irradiated reference signals to identify characteristic radiation-induced peaks. The method emphasizes controlled measurement conditions and documented interpretation criteria.
- Quality control: Requirements for using appropriate controls, reproducible instrument settings and validated procedures to ensure reliable identification of irradiated material.
- Standard adoption: Published by CEN and adopted by national bodies (for example SIST EN 1786 in Slovenia), ensuring harmonized use across laboratories.
Applications
- Food inspection and regulatory compliance: Routine screening of meat and fish consignments to verify whether irradiation treatments were applied.
- Border and import control: Detection of non-declared irradiated products entering markets with labelling or treatment restrictions.
- Food industry quality assurance: Manufacturers and processors can apply the method to monitor ingredient sourcing and supply chain compliance.
- Research and accreditation laboratories: Validation studies, method development and proficiency testing for ESR-based detection of irradiated food.
Who should use this standard
- Government food control laboratories and regulatory authorities
- Accredited testing laboratories performing food safety analyses
- Food producers, processors and quality assurance teams
- Research institutions working on food irradiation detection methods
Related standards
- Standards on food irradiation labelling, general food testing methods and laboratory quality management complement EN 1786 where regulatory, procedural or accreditation context is required.
Keywords: EN 1786, ESR spectroscopy, EPR, irradiated food detection, irradiated meat, irradiated fish, bone detection, ionizing radiation, CEN.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1786:1996 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing bone - Method by ESR spectroscopy". This standard covers: This draft European Standard specifies a method for the detection of meat containing bone and fish containing bone which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the bones. On the basis of results of analysis of meat containing bone from duck, frog, goose, chicken, hare, lamb, turkey, beef and pork, it is assumed that the same signals occur when other animal species are analysed.
This draft European Standard specifies a method for the detection of meat containing bone and fish containing bone which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the bones. On the basis of results of analysis of meat containing bone from duck, frog, goose, chicken, hare, lamb, turkey, beef and pork, it is assumed that the same signals occur when other animal species are analysed.
EN 1786:1996 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 67.020 - Processes in the food industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1786:1996 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 62924:2017, EN IEC 62590-1:2025. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1786:1996 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/029. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 1786:1996 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Živila - Detekcija obsevane hrane, ki vsebuje kosti - Metoda z ESR spektroskopijoLebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten knochen- bzw. grätenhaltigen Lebensmitteln - Verfahren mittels ESR-SpektroskopieProduits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ionisés contenant des os ou des aretes - Méthode par spectroscopie RPEFoodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing bone
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