EU to Tighten Radiation Limits on Japanese Foods

The European commission set by Barroso said that as a "precautionary measure" , EU would constrict thresholds for radiation on foods imported from Japan.

Barroso said thresholds established after the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl in then-Soviet Ukraine followed the scientific advice of the day, but that with Japan being "very sensitive to anything that affects food security," it had instigated even tighter leeway. The commission set to include checks on the presence of plutonium.

The 27-nation EU's executive arm the previous week imposed emergency tests on imports of Japanese food and feed originating in or consigned from areas most affected by leakage from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, following a massive earthquake and tsunami.

According to the commission, Japan has the right to export to the EU fishery products, bivalve molluscs (seafood), casings and pet food as well as fruits and vegetables.

Source: AFP