Safety of Japanese food

March 29, 2015

Japan to play up safety of food products at expo in Milan

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/29/national/japan-play-safety-food-products-expo-milan/#.VRg7feHwmos

JIJI

The government will use Expo Milano 2015 in Italy to highlight the safety of Japanese food products, including those from Fukushima Prefecture, according to its official representative Tatsuya Kato.

“I want to use the expo as an opportunity to correct any wrong perceptions or information,” Kato said in a recent interview, referring to the import cubs imposed on Japanese food after the Fukushima nuclear crisis unfolded in March 2011.

Kato said some countries still require Japanese exporters to submit reports on the radiation checks or certificates of origin before accepting food products.

“The government should assist efforts for the lifting of such restrictions,” he said. “We can brief key figures visiting the Japanese pavilion on how disaster areas have recovered and what measures have been implemented to ensure food safety.”

Expo Milano 2015 will be held in Milan, Italy, from May 1 to Oct. 31. The theme of the event is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.”

Noting that the Japan Day reception in July, which will attract several hundred guests, will be an important opportunity to underscore the safety of Japan’s food, Kato said Japan plans to hold a briefing and distribute leaflets at the reception.