Ulsan First Half Year Distribution Food Radioactivity Test Results All 'Safe'

Ulsan Institute of Health and Environment Increases Inspection Frequency of Seafood and School Meal Ingredients

In the first half of this year, no radioactive substances were detected in distributed food products in the Ulsan area.

The Ulsan City Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 6th that radiation tests conducted from January to June this year on seafood, agricultural products, and processed foods found no radioactive substances in any of the samples.

The tests were conducted to alleviate public anxiety and ensure safe food following the planned discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant this year.

The inspection covered a total of 300 cases, including 226 cases of seafood, 17 cases of agricultural products, and 57 cases of processed foods distributed in Ulsan.

The test items were radioactive iodine (131I) and cesium (134Cs, 137Cs), and the results confirmed safety as none were detected in any of the samples.

To ease citizens' concerns about the discharge of contaminated water from the Japanese nuclear power plant, the institute has increased radiation testing of seafood distributed in the agricultural and marine products wholesale market from twice a month to four times a month starting this year.

Additionally, radiation tests on school meal ingredients have increased from 160 cases last year to 200 cases this year.

Results of food radiation tests are disclosed weekly to the public through the Ulsan City Health and Environment Research Institute website.

An official from the Health and Environment Research Institute said, "Anxiety is growing as Japan has announced plans to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea," adding, "We will do our best to strengthen food radiation testing so that citizens can purchase food safe from radiation."

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has banned imports of seafood from eight prefectures near Fukushima and 27 agricultural products from 14 prefectures following the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Furthermore, radiation tests are conducted on all imported foods each time they enter the country, and if even trace amounts are detected, additional nuclear isotope inspection certificates are required, effectively preventing contaminated foods from passing customs.

Results of radiation tests on Japanese imported foods conducted by the MFDS can be checked on the Imported Food Radiation Safety Information website.

Ulsan City Health and Environment Research Institute.

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