Thailand’s FDA Assures Safety of Japanese Seafood Amid Fukushima Concerns

Thailand’s FDA Assures Safety of Japanese Seafood Amid Fukushima Concerns

With the rising concern over the safety of seafood imports from Japan due to the release of treated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has assured the public of the safety of these imports. The Fukushima plant, severely hit by a tsunami in 2011, began releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. Amid this backdrop, the TFDA’s affirmation serves to dispel fears and reassure Thai consumers about the safety of Japanese seafood imports.

Implementing Stringent Safety Measures

To ensure the safety of the imported seafood, the TFDA has put in place stringent safety measures. These measures include conducting tests on 75 samples of seafood including squid, molluscs, and crabs considered at risk. The main focus of the tests was to analyze the content of cesium-134 and cesium-137, radioactive isotopes that could potentially be present due to the release of treated water from the Fukushima plant.

Test Results Reveal No Radioactive Threat

According to Lertchai Lertvut, the deputy secretary-general of the TFDA, out of the 73 samples that have been analyzed so far, 42 have shown no radioactivity that exceeds international standards. As for the remaining samples, the results are presumably still pending. In the event that any samples are found to be contaminated, they will be immediately destroyed and the import of such seafood will be suspended. This proactive approach by the TFDA shows its commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards.

Constant Monitoring and Transparency

The TFDA has committed to continuously monitoring and collecting information from both domestic and international sources to ensure that the food products meet safety standards. Consumers who come across suspicious food products can report their concerns to the TFDA hotline or contact their local provincial public health office. In the event that any food products are found to pose a danger to consumers due to radiation contamination, the TFDA will immediately inform the public, thereby ensuring transparency and enabling consumers to make informed choices.

A Global Concern: Addressing Radioactive Waste

As the concerns about radioactive waste persist globally, the Thai FDA’s rigorous monitoring and inspection processes are essential to ensure that the seafood industry continues to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. The Japanese Prime Minister’s recent gesture of consuming raw fish from Fukushima to show confidence in the safety of their seafood further underscores the importance of such processes. Amid these concerns, the Thai FDA’s proactive steps to thoroughly scrutinize imports from Japan for radiation contamination and their commitment to transparency and public awareness is indeed commendable, ensuring that consumers in Thailand can enjoy seafood with confidence knowing that their health and safety are paramount.