Radiocaesium activity concentrations in Polish food of animal origin and radiation dose assessment for consumers,

The current levels of radiocaesium in Polish food of animal origin were determined. In 2008 more than 1,100 samples were analysed for their ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity concentrations. ¹³⁴Cs radioactivity concentrations were always below the minimum detectable radioactivity - MDA. The ¹³⁷Cs levels were also below MDA values in most cases. The combined mean radioactivity concentrations were around 2 Bq/kg in a range of foodstuffs. Among the foodstuffs analysed, the highest radiocaesium levels were observed in samples from cattle (meat and milk). The effective annual dose from consumption of monitored foodstuffs was also assessed.