In response to Japan’s plan to release treated but still radioactive water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, Hong Kong has implemented a precautionary ban on certain seafood imports from 10 Japanese prefectures.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced the Food Safety Order on Friday, citing concerns over potential contamination of aquatic products. The affected regions include Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano, and Saitama.
“Given the unprecedented and long-term discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, we are taking an abundance of caution to safeguard public health,” said a spokesperson for the FEHD.
While the ban covers popular seafood imports like fish, shellfish, seaweed, and sea salt, other aquatic products from Japan are subject to rigorous testing. The FEHD will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to ensure radiation levels meet safety guidelines before allowing them on the market.
The government has also stepped up environmental monitoring of local waters and fisheries, with no anomalies detected so far.
Enhanced Monitoring and Testing
The FEHD has tested 243 samples of imported Japanese aquatic products and sea products since June 18, with all results below safety limits. Additionally, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has tested 50 local fish samples, all of which passed.
The HKO has also intensified water monitoring, with no signs of abnormal radiation levels detected.
Possible Further Restrictions
The government emphasized that the current import ban may be expanded if further anomalies are detected in future testing.
“We will not hesitate to take additional measures if necessary to ensure the safety of our residents,” the FEHD spokesperson added.
The announcement comes as Japan prepares to begin releasing treated water from the Fukushima plant into the ocean, raising concerns among neighboring countries about potential contamination of marine life and seafood.
