Gangwon Institute of Health and Environment, "Agricultural and Marine Products Distributed in the Province Are Safe from Radiation"

A Total of 259 Cases of Distributed and Sold Seafood at 61 Locations in the Province

Sokcho Daepo Port [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Amid ongoing concerns about environmental contamination from radiation following the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, agricultural and marine products as well as processed foods in Gangwon Province have been confirmed to be safe from radiation.

The Gangwon Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 17th, "From March to December last year, we tested a total of 259 cases of agricultural and marine products and processed foods distributed and sold at 61 locations including large supermarkets and seafood wholesale markets within the province for radioactive contamination, and all were confirmed to be safe from radiation."

The tested items included 144 cases of marine products (fish, cephalopods, seaweed), 65 cases of agricultural products (root vegetables, mushrooms, fruits), and 34 cases of other processed marine products. By origin, 235 cases were domestic and 24 cases were imported.

The radioactive isotopes tested were cesium (134Cs + 137Cs) and iodine (131I). Among these, cesium at 1 Bq/kg was detected in 2 cases of imported (Russian) dried pollack strips.

Additional testing for other isotopes (strontium <90Sr> and plutonium <238~240Pu>) was requested from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and results confirmed non-detection.

The permissible limit for cesium (134Cs+137Cs) is 50 Bq/kg or less for nine processed food items including infant formula, and 100 Bq/kg or less for all other foods.

Previously, the Institute of Health and Environment established a rapid radiation testing system for foods and has been strengthening radiation safety monitoring for agricultural and marine products and processed foods distributed, produced, and sold throughout the province.

Additionally, since 2019, in collaboration with the Gangwon Provincial Office of Education, radiation contamination levels of agricultural and marine products supplied to school meals within the province have been investigated in advance to ensure safe meals for students.

Kim Young-su, Director of the Gangwon Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "Since the nuclear accident in Japan, we have continuously promoted radiation safety management for foods produced and distributed within the province to alleviate residents' concerns regarding contaminated water discharge controversies. The test results are published monthly on the institute’s website to enhance communication with residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.