Date : 15/06/2011
TOKYO, June 15 (KUNA) -- Canada has lifted all restrictions on food and
animal feed imports from Japan, becoming the first country to withdrew all
restrictions on the Japanese food following the March nuclear accident, the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said here.
Since April 1, Canada had demanded documents to verify the safety of all
products imported from 12 prefectures affected by the nuclear crisis at the
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, prohibiting any products from entering into
the nation without acceptable documentation or test results.
However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency removed the controls effective
Monday, according to the ministry.
"Following an assessment of the results of both domestic and international
actions, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency no longer sees the need for
routine testing imported food products," the Canadian agency said on its
Website, noting that all food products tested were found to be well below
Canada's radiation limits.
The agency also said it will continue to review documentation provided by
importers, while Canadian officials will continue to collect and assess
intelligence from Japanese officials, Canada's mission abroad and
international authorities.
"As well, Japanese controls on the sale of contaminated product remain
intact," it said.
Still, 40 countries and territories continue to restrict food imports from
Japan following the nuclear accident triggered by the March 11 earthquake and
tsunami. (end)
mk.rk
KUNA 151219 Jun 11NNNN