General Administration of Customs: Chinese Customs Prohibits Import of Food and Food Safety from Ten Prefectures (Cities) including Fukushima, Japan | Japan | International Atomic Energy Agency
On July 7th, the head of the Import and Export Food Safety Bureau of the General Administration of Customs answered questions from reporters regarding the release of the comprehensive assessment report on the disposal of Fukushima nuclear contaminated water by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The person in charge stated that since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear leakage accident in Japan, Chinese customs have been highly concerned about the radioactive contamination of food imported from Japan to China caused by the accident, closely tracking the relevant measures taken by the Japanese government after the Fukushima nuclear leakage accident, continuously conducting assessments of the risk of radioactive contamination in Japanese food, and responding in a timely manner. In order to prevent the export of Japanese food to China from radioactive contamination and protect the safety of imported food for Chinese consumers, Chinese customs prohibit the import of food from ten counties including Fukushima in Japan. Food from other regions of Japan, especially aquatic products, is strictly reviewed and accompanied by certification documents, and supervision is strengthened. 100% inspection is strictly implemented, and the detection and monitoring of radioactive substances are continuously strengthened to ensure the safety of Japanese imported food to China and prevent the import of products with risks.
Chinese customs have taken note of the comprehensive evaluation report recently released by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Japan's Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge plan into the sea. This report did not fully reflect the opinions of all experts involved in the evaluation work, and the relevant conclusions were not unanimously recognized by all experts. There are still many issues with the legitimacy of Japan's discharge into the sea, the reliability of purification devices, and the completeness of monitoring plans.
Currently, the issue of Japan's nuclear contaminated water being discharged into the sea has become a global concern, and it has also raised concerns among Chinese consumers about the safety of imported food from Japan. Chinese customs will remain highly vigilant, taking absolute responsibility for domestic consumers as the principle, and taking all necessary measures in a timely manner according to the development of the situation to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers on the dining table.