Some Thai instant noodle products shipped to the EU were recently quarantined after an initial check found seasoning packs inside irradiated without prior notice to importers, deputy director of the Office of Agricultural Product Standard and National Food Somchai Charnnarongkul said Tuesday.

"The European authorities say the Thai products need to be re-inspected to find out whether the radiation exceeds accepted levels of international food safety standards. If so, they will be totally destroyed or returned to Thailand."

EU officials also travelled to Thailand to inspect the safety of Thai instant noodle plants and food radiation processes –now offered only by the country’s Office of Atomic Energy for Peace – he disclosed.

"I've been informed that the European authorities were initially dissatisfied with the office's food radiation processes, claiming sub-standard hygiene and risk of contamination," Somchai said.

"The European experts also suggested that the office rely on computerized systems, rather than manual records," he added.

Source: TNA