Sung Sang-geun, Deputy Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, "No Radiation Detected in Additional Japanese Imported Seafood on 19-20th"

Briefing on the Discharge of Contaminated Water from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan

Song Sang-geun, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "From the 19th to the 20th, 22 radiation tests were conducted on imported Japanese seafood (cumulative total this year: 2,698 tests), and no radiation was detected in the imported Japanese seafood."

At a briefing held on the morning of the 21st at the Government Seoul Office Annex regarding the ocean discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, Vice Minister Song said, "As of the morning of the previous day, a total of 43 radiation tests were conducted at the production stage of seafood (cumulative total this year: 4,451 tests), all of which were compliant. The top five items tested were anchovies (6 tests), blue crabs (3 tests), abalone (3 tests), hairtail fish (2 tests), and cuttlefish (2 tests)."

He also explained, "From June 5th to 16th, a two-week radiation test was conducted on seafood at the distribution stage, totaling 298 tests (cumulative total this year: 2,362 tests), all of which were compliant. Of the 16 tests planned to be conducted as soon as samples were secured, 4 have been completed and all were compliant. The results of the remaining 12 tests will be disclosed immediately once the samples are secured and the tests are conducted."

Regarding the cesium concentration in the East Sea after the Japanese nuclear accident, he said, "During a recent inquiry at the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, it was mentioned that the cesium concentration in our East Sea area has more than doubled since the Fukushima nuclear accident. However, the cesium-137 concentration in the East Sea from 2005 to 2010, before the nuclear accident, was observed to be between approximately 0.001 becquerels (Bq/kg) and 0.004 becquerels (Bq/kg)."

He added, "Since the 2011 nuclear accident, it is difficult to confirm any significant increase in concentration compared to before the accident. The cesium-137 concentration remains at an extremely low level, less than about 1/3600th of the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard of 10 becquerels. I want to emphasize that our seas are safe."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Kwang-mo = Song Sang-geun, First Director of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, is explaining the results of radioactivity tests on seafood during the daily briefing on the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant held at the Government Seoul Office Building on June 16, 2023.
hkmpooh@yna.co.kr
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Regarding public radiation testing, he stated, "We select 10 items weekly based on high demand applications and conduct tests. Over the past 8 weeks, 78 items have been selected, and 66 tests have been completed."

Vice Minister Song added, "When announcing the test results of selected items, we disclose detailed information about the specific regions where samples were collected and the auction market information. We will improve the system as soon as possible to allow applications based on local governments and major auction markets according to public demand."

Regarding the supply and price of solar salt, he said, "On the 16th, the Korea Consumer Agency issued a consumer damage advisory for e-commerce platforms, and the Fair Trade Commission requested major online market operators to respond to false information that excessively causes consumer anxiety. The government will strengthen monitoring of online sellers who induce purchases of solar salt at unreasonably high prices or promote consumer anxiety."

Finally, Vice Minister Song said, "I understand that there have been recent media concerns about the use of simplified testing devices due to public anxiety over radiation testing equipment. Our government has continuously expanded radiation testing of our waters and seafood, and has been strengthening testing capabilities by securing equipment and personnel. If necessary, we will actively utilize private sector testing equipment and personnel as well."

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