Radiation Safety of Distributed Seafood in Jeonnam Region

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] It has been confirmed that seafood distributed in the Jeonnam region is safe from radiation.

The Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 29th that all agricultural and marine products and processed foods distributed in Jeonnam last year were confirmed to be safe after testing for radiation contamination.

Since the 2011 Japanese nuclear accident, the Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment has continuously tested domestic production and distribution foods, as well as school meal ingredients, to alleviate consumers' radiation concerns.

Last year, a total of 272 tests were conducted on foods distributed in the Jeonnam region and school meal ingredients, and over the past three years, 623 tests were conducted with no radiation detected.

When a nuclear accident occurs, alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) nuclides emit radiation. Among these, cesium (134Cs+137Cs) and iodine (131I), which are gamma (γ) nuclides most commonly found in food, are tested as contamination indicators.

Radioactive iodine accumulates in the thyroid gland causing thyroid cancer, and radioactive cesium accumulates in various organs such as the kidneys, causing cancer and other diseases.

A representative of the Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment stated, “In preparation for the recent discharge of radioactive contaminated water from Japan, we will especially strengthen radiation testing of distributed seafood and thoroughly manage radiation safety for food in the Jeonnam region.”

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