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