"According to preliminary information, these containers had been lying here for some 30 years, completely without control," Archil Topchishvili told AFP late Tuesday.

Cobalt-60 is used in many common industrial applications, such as in leveling devices and thickness gauges, and in radiotherapy in hospitals. Large sources of cobalt-60 are increasingly used for sterilization of spices and certain foods.

The powerful gamma rays kill bacteria and other pathogens, without damaging the product. After the radiation ceases, the product is not left radioactive. This process is sometimes called "cold pasteurization."

The containers were removed to a secure place, Topchishvili assured.

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