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Radioactivity in foods

Radionuclides have partly chemical features as nutrients. Therefore, together with the nutrients they need for growth, plants and animals also take take up radionuclides. The activity level in foods depend on

  • the radioactivity content of the source media (soils, water),
  • the availability of the nutrients and the other substances contained in the soil and water as well as on
  • other conditions prevailing in the habitat of the animals and plants.

Foods can also be radioactively contaminated via the air. For example, the decay products of the gaseous radon-222 may deposit on the surface of foliage and be taken in by the leaves. In addition to the natural radioactivity, also radionuclides of artificial origin may get into the food chain, for example via the global fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests or as a result of reactor accidents.

Within the framework of the Integrated Measuring and Information System for the Surveillance of Environmental Radioactivity (IMIS), agricultural products produced in Germany and drinking water are sampled on a regular basis.

different food

Radioactivity in food

All foods contain naturally occurring radioactive substances. In proportions that vary from one German region to another, artificial radionuclides can also be found in foods that come from the forest.

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Brazil nut fruit (Bertholletia excelsa) with Brazil nutsSource: RHJ/Stock.adobe.com

Natural radioactivity in Brazil nuts

All foods contain natural radioactive substances that emit radiation. However, Brazil nuts contain some natural radionuclides at higher levels than other foods. When people eat Brazil nuts, they also ingest the radium contained in them, among other things. This radium is then stored in bones and teeth. The BfS gives precautionary recommendations for adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescents, and children.

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Water reservoirSource: © Joachim Donath

Radionuclides in drinking water

The "Guidelines on compliance with the requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance in the testing and evaluation of radioactive substances in drinking water" published in February 2017 form the basis for the comprehensive testing of water quality with respect to radioactivity-related parameters.

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different foodSource: monticellllo/Stock.adobe.com

Radiation dose from natural radioactivity in food

We ingest naturally occurring radioactive substances through food and drink. The BfS has investigated how much of these substances are contained in our food – and what radiation doses are produced.

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Wild boar searching for food

Radioactive contamination of mushrooms and wild game

Mainly as a result of the Chornobyl reactor accident, certain species of mushrooms and wild game are still highly contaminated with caesium-137 in some areas of Germany. This applies especially to Southern Germany – in particular Southern Bavaria and the Bavarian Forest but also parts of Upper Swabia.

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Water poured into a glas

Radionuclides in mineral waters

Natural waters like groundwater and spring water always contain natural radioactive substances alongside traces of other minerals. This applies in particular to mineral waters, as these are often extracted from very deep water deposits and therefore have a higher degree of mineralisation.

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