Radioactive contaminants found in imports from Shizuoka Prefecture

Tests done on shipments imported on 30 Mar 2011 showed contaminants were found in a sample of Komatsuna (Japanse Mustard Spinach).

The Singapore Government is following the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant very closely. It is continuing its measures to safeguard Singapore from radioactive contamination.

Following the latest detection, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) will extend its suspension of import of fruits and vegetables from Shizuoka with immediate effect.

AVA has increased its surveillance of food imports from Japan since the start of the incident at Fukushima Nuclear Plant to ensure that they are safe for consumption. To date, 379 samples of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products imported from Japan have been tested for radioactive contamination.

Since 25 Mar 2011, all consignments of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products have been subjected to hold-and-test. This means that the products will only be released for sale when test results show that there is no radioactive contamination. If radioactive contaminants are detected in any sample, the affected shipment will be disposed of.

As such, food imported from Japan that is available in the market is safe for consumption. There is no cause for concern for consumers.