Russia Mulls Over Joining China in Restricting Japanese Seafood Imports Due to Radioactive Water Concerns

Russia Mulls Over Joining China in Restricting Japanese Seafood Imports Due to Radioactive Water Concerns

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, also known as Rosselkhoznadzor, is considering imposing restrictions on fish imports from Japan. This contemplation is driven by increasing concerns about potential radioactive contamination in the wake of Japan’s release of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.

The agency’s final decision on the matter will be determined after engaging in discussions with Japanese representatives. This potential decision underlines Rosselkhoznadzor’s dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of imported goods.

Background: The Fukushima Incident

In 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami resulted in a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. This incident marked the world’s worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl event 25 years earlier. The impact of the Fukushima incident continues to resound today, with concerns about radioactive contamination still prevalent.

(Read Also: China, Japan, S.Korea in contact over trilateral cooperation talks, but tensions persist.)

Radioactive Contamination in Seafood

Following the Fukushima disaster, several fish caught near the nuclear power plant’s drainage outlets were found with radioactive cesium levels significantly above Japan’s safety limit. The high radioactivity levels found in these fish led authorities to believe that they had escaped from the nuclear plant’s port. This sparked a global concern about the safety of seafood, particularly in countries that import from Japan.

The Treated Radioactive Water Release

In August 2023, Japan commenced the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean. This decision was met with criticism from several nations, including China, which immediately imposed a ban on all seafood imports from Japan. The plan involves the release of more than 1.3 million tonnes of treated water, a process that is expected to take decades to complete. Despite approval from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the operation has been criticized by various opposition parties and caused unease among some Pacific islands.

(Read Also: Central Asia and Japan: A New Era of Energy Transition and Decarbonization)

Several countries have expressed concerns about a lack of transparency from Tokyo regarding the release of treated radioactive water. The international community is urging Japan to provide scientifically-based and detailed information about the process to all concerned countries. The request for transparency is crucial to ensure public safety and maintain trust among nations.

Impact on Russia’s Import Decision

The potential release of treated radioactive water, along with the discovery of highly radioactive fish, has prompted Rosselkhoznadzor to consider halting fish imports from Japan. The agency emphasizes that this potential decision aims to safeguard the quality of imported goods and protect the health of Russian consumers.

As the situation unfolds, international cooperation becomes increasingly essential. The issue of radioactive contamination not only affects Japan and Russia, but potentially all countries that import seafood from Japan. Therefore, transparency and open communication are crucial for ensuring public safety and maintaining trust among nations.

Read More