1 reply to this topic

[ElliRoss]

Over the past couple of months the Japanese government has found radiation contamination in milk, vegetables and water as a result of the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

There is legitimate reason to worry about the effect of radioactive contamination of the environment and food chain after the nuclear accident in Japan. I-131 and Cs-137 are the main fission by-products that are released and can cause cancer in humans.

Even though , Japan is not a major world food exporter, several countries have banned food imports from Japan. (Source )

What's your opinion on this issue? Does it make sense to ban everything imported from Japan? How would you decide as a country's decision maker?

Regards,
Elli

[Simon]

Hello Elli,

I'm based in the UK so the latest news from here from our credible food safety organisation is:

The Food Standards Agency is working with port health authorities and other Government departments to ensure that food imports from Japan, mainly fish and shellfish, are screened for the presence of radioactive material. Only 0.1% of food imports received by the UK come from Japan, but any food that is found to have levels of radiation above the legal limits will be prevented from entering the country.
Source: http://www.food.gov..../2011/mar/japan

I imagine things are going on behind the scenes but there is nothing about it on any news media.

What about Germany?
Do you import much from Japan?
What control measures are in place?

Regards,
Simon