U.S. Regulators to Scan Food Containers from Japan for Radiation
According to a news source, the Customs and Border Patrol will begin scanning shipping containers arriving in the United States from Japan for radiation, following the earthquake and tsunami that caused explosions at the country’s nuclear plants, releasing high levels of radiation into the atmosphere. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportedly indicated that it is “closely monitoring the situation in Japan and is working with the Japanese government and other U.S. agencies to continue to ensure that imported food remains safe.”
The agency “will be examining both food products labeled as having originated in Japan or having passed through Japan in transit.” Affected shipments are not expected until the week of March 21, 2011, so FDA is reportedly not concerned about imports already in U.S. ports. It is also believed that the earthquake and tsunami shut down fishing, harvesting and food processing operations in the region. According to an agency spokesperson, because radioactive material is rapidly and effectively diluted in Pacific Ocean waters, fish and seafood are likely to be unaffected. Food imports from Japan apparently represent just 4 percent of all foods imported by the United States and consist mainly of seafood, snack foods and processed fruits and vegetables. See The Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2011.
