Applicability of non-destructive equipment for radioactivity measurement to screening radio-cesium in foods.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of non-destructive radioactivity measurement equipments for screening radio-cesium in whole foods without sample preparation procedures. Wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots were collected and studied using five different non-destructive radioactivity devices, and activity concentration was determined by conventional gamma-ray spectrometry using a Ge-detector. Linear regression analyses of activity concentrations were conducted and prediction intervals determined as uncertainties. Overall, non-destructive radioactivity measurement devices found to be suitable for screening radioactive cesium contamination in foods with an effective screening level. • Radioactive contamination in food was checked via non-destructive measurement. • Wild mushroom and bamboo shoot varieties were collected as specimens. • Results were compared with activity concentration from gamma-ray spectrometry. • Applicability of the non-destructive devices in radioactivity screening was tested. • Results indicated the devices to be befitting for the screening purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]