Restrictions on Fukushima food imports to EU to be eased

January 7, 2015

EU to ease rules on Japanese food imports

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclear.html

Jan. 7, 2016 - Updated 10:23 UTC+1

The European Union this week will ease restrictions on food imports from Japan that were introduced in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011.

The restrictions require Japan to conduct radiation checks on food products from Fukushima Prefecture and neighboring areas before they can be shipped to EU countries.

The European Commission decided on Wednesday to lift those measures for certain products, if their radiation levels have stayed below safety limits long enough. The changes will take effect on Saturday.

Almost all of the agricultural goods from Fukushima will be exempted, such as vegetables, buckwheat, tea, beef and other meat products, and fruits other than persimmon.
In addition, all food products from Aomori and Saitama, as well as rice and soybeans from 6 other prefectures in northeastern Japan will be exempted.

Japanese government officials say they will work to have the remaining restrictions lifted as soon as possible.