Yeongdeok-gun, 43 Radiation Tests on Seafood Show '0 Detections'

Expansion of Radioactivity Testing for Seafood from Production to Distribution Stages

Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, conducted radiation tests on a total of 43 seafood samples ahead of the third discharge of Fukushima contaminated water scheduled for the 2nd of next month, and no seafood was found to contain radiation.

Yeongdeok-gun, 43 Radiation Tests on Seafood Show '0 Detections'.

In August, Yeongdeok-gun introduced radiation testing equipment in preparation for the Japanese government's discharge of Fukushima contaminated water.

The test items included iodine and cesium, which are indicators for food radiation testing as designated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The permissible limit for radioactive substances is 100 becquerels (Bq) per kilogram, but even a single becquerel detected prompts a report to the Daegu Regional Food and Drug Administration and triggers additional detailed testing to ensure high reliability.

This inspection targeted seafood at the production stage before distribution, testing 16 samples at the Ganggu Fisheries Cooperative auction site and 13 samples at the Yeongdeok Northern Fisheries Cooperative auction site, totaling 29 samples. Additionally, 14 samples of seafood distributed in traditional markets frequently visited by tourists, such as Donggwang Fish Market and Yeongdeok-eup Market, were tested.

Yeongdeok-gun expanded the scope of testing from seafood at the production stage to those at the distribution stage to counteract the decline in seafood consumption sentiment and to promote the safety and excellence of local seafood. The test results are disclosed on the Yeongdeok-gun website and application, and are also shared with Gyeongbuk Province and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

County Governor Kim Gwang-yeol stated, “As the region’s premium specialty product, snow crab, reaches its peak season, we will conduct thorough radiation testing to ensure there are no gaps in the safety management of local seafood. The Yeongdeok sea and seafood are safe and fresh, so please rest assured and fully enjoy their taste and nutrition.”

Fishermen, producer groups, and seafood processing companies wishing to request radiation testing for seafood handled within the county can apply for testing at the Yeongdeok-gun Office’s Department of Oceans and Fisheries. If more than 1 kilogram of edible parts per sample is prepared, the test results can be confirmed after three hours.

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