Abstract
This scientific article presents the results of a study on the radiological safety of cattle meat produced in ecologically challenging areas surrounding the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS). Due to past nuclear testing activities, the soil and vegetation in the region have been contaminated with radionuclides. These radionuclides enter the food chain and accumulate in the tissues of animals, including meat products.During the study, meat samples were collected from settlements located in areas with both low and high levels of radiation risk. The samples were analyzed for radionuclide content, with particular focus on isotopes such as cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs), potassium-40 (⁴⁰K), radium-226 (²²⁶Ra), and thorium-232 (²³²Th). Based on the obtained data, it was found that the concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs and ²²⁶Ra in some samples exceeded the maximum permissible levels. This raises serious concerns regarding the radiological safety of meat productsconsumed by the local population.The article provides a comprehensive description of the research methods, data analysis, and ecological-veterinary evaluation of the results. It also discusses the effects of radionuclides on living organisms and the mechanisms of their accumulation. The authors emphasize the need to improve the system of radiological monitoring and to ensure quality control of agricultural products produced in the SNTS zone. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for professionals in public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences