FoodGuard-1 Food Monitoring System

• Rapid food radiation screening system for detecting radioactive contamination in food and beverages

• High-efficiency 3” × 3” NaI(Tl) gamma detector with lead shielding for reliable measurements

• Complete turnkey solution (detector + MCA + software + accessories) – ready to use out-of-the-box

• Built-in MPC (Maximum Permitted Concentration) calculation for regulatory compliance

• Real-time audible alarm for contamination exceeding safety limits

• Fully automated sample analysis workflow with intuitive software interface

• Portable and lightweight design – ideal for on-site testing (ports, markets, production sites)

• Pre-calibrated system with standard sample containers and check source included

• Detects key radionuclides: ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁰³Ru and reports total cesium

• FDA-approved ROI matrix analysis method for food monitoring accuracy

FoodGuard-1 is a complete gamma spectroscopy-based food monitoring system designed for rapid screening of radioactive contamination in both solid and liquid food samples. Engineered as a front-line response solution, FoodGuard-1 enables food producers, import/export agencies, and regulatory bodies to quickly assess contamination risks and ensure food safety compliance within minutes. The system integrates a NaI(Tl) gamma detector, digital MCA (digiBASE), and dedicated FoodGuard software, forming a compact and easy-to-use platform for routine food inspection. Sample measurement is simple:

• Place the sample in a 1-liter Marinelli beaker

• Insert into the shielded detector chamber

• Start the automated analysis

The system then:

• Collects spectral data

• Identifies radionuclides

• Compares results with regulatory limits

• Generates a clear, audit-ready report

FoodGuard-1 is optimized to detect radionuclides commonly associated with nuclear incidents, including iodine and cesium isotopes. It also provides total cesium reporting, which is critical for food safety regulations. A key advantage is its MPC-based reporting system, which directly expresses contamination levels as a percentage of allowable limits—making results easy to interpret even for non-expert users. With its portable design, battery operation, and optional transport cart, FoodGuard-1 can be deployed anywhere food is:

• Imported

• Processed

• Sold

• Consumed

This makes it an essential tool for rapid response, screening, and compliance monitoring in real-world environments.

System Components 3” × 3” NaI(Tl) gamma detector Low-background lead shield (bench-top design) ORTEC digiBASE (integrated MCA + HV + DSP) FoodGuard software (FG-1-BW) Laptop PC and printer (optional packages) 1-liter Marinelli beakers (×6) Calibration check source (KCl, ⁴⁰K) Detector & Performance Detector type: NaI(Tl) scintillation detector Resolution: ~8% at 662 keV (¹³⁷Cs) High-efficiency counting for rapid screening Built-in digital gain stabilization (⁴⁰K reference peak) Measurement Capabilities Sample types:

• Liquids

• Solids

• Food products

Monitored radionuclides:

• ¹³¹I

• ¹⁰³Ru

• ¹³⁴Cs

• ¹³⁷Cs

• Natural ⁴⁰K (reference & monitoring)

Total cesium calculation (¹³⁴Cs + ¹³⁷Cs) Software & Analysis Automated spectrum acquisition and analysis ROI matrix method (FDA-approved) MPC calculation (% of allowable limit) Audible alarm for exceedance Report generation and data storage Operation & Workflow Guided measurement process (step-by-step UI) Automatic pass/fail evaluation Data logging and reporting Suitable for non-expert operators Connectivity & Platform USB 2.0 interface (digiBASE) Windows-based system Low power consumption (USB-powered electronics) Mobility Portable system design Optional transport cart with locking wheels Battery operation for field use

• Food safety inspection (import/export control)

• Radiation contamination screening in food supply chains

• Nuclear emergency response (post-incident food monitoring)

• Agricultural product testing

• Market and port-of-entry inspection

• Regulatory compliance monitoring

• Food production quality control