No Radiation Issues Found in Marine Products Produced and Shipped from Jeonnam

9,252 Samples Tested Since 2013

All Meet Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Standards

The Jeonnam Institute of Marine and Fisheries Science conducted radiation tests on marine products produced and shipped from Jeonnam from 2013 until April 21, 2026. As a result, all 9,252 samples tested were found to be 'suitable' according to the standards set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Jeonnam Province is currently utilizing five advanced radiation analysis devices—four gamma nuclide analyzers and one beta nuclide analyzer—to continuously monitor the safety of marine products. In addition, the test results are transparently released in real time every day through the website of the Institute of Marine and Fisheries Science.

To proactively address public and consumer concerns following the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in August 2023, Jeonnam Province significantly expanded the scope of radiation monitoring to an unprecedented level. In particular, while only 64 species were tested up to 2022, the monitoring now covers all marine products produced and shipped from Jeonnam.

As a result of radiation tests conducted on seafood produced and shipped from Jeonnam from 2013 to April 21 of this year, all tested samples were deemed 'suitable'.
[Photo by Jeonnam Province]

Beyond simple testing of marine products, since 2024, Jeonnam Province has designated four major coastal aquaculture sites in Sinan, Boseong, Goheung, and Yeosu to monitor the distribution trends of artificial nuclides (29 types) and natural nuclides (12 types) in seawater and sediment.

So far, all environmental samples have remained within acceptable limits.

Jeonnam Province will officially present the accumulated monitoring results of marine products and coastal areas at the 2026 Spring Conference of the Korean Association for Radiation Protection, to be held in Pyeongchang from April 23 to 24, 2026. The presentation will include the 2025 analysis results of cesium (Cs) and potassium (K) in fish caught and farmed in Jeonnam, as well as the distribution status of radioactive substances in coastal seawater and sediment.

Kim Chungnam, Director of the Jeonnam Institute of Marine and Fisheries Science, emphasized, "There has not been a single unsatisfactory case so far, but as Japan's discharge of contaminated water continues, we must remain vigilant. We will do our utmost to ensure food safety so that the public can consume marine products with confidence."

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