Radiation Scare: United States FDA Screens Food from Japan
As leakage of radioactive materials became evident, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued on March 24, Import Alert 99-33 or better labeled as "Detention Without Physical Examination of Products from Japan Due to Radionuclide Contamination".
On March 11, the pacific coast of Japan was hit by a massive earthquake of 8.9 magnitude with ensuing tsunami reported to be 30 feet high. Massive infrastructure damage was noted and the most significant of which was the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The neighboring prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma Ibaraki, and Tochigi were most affected by the potential leakage of radioactive materials.
Concern regarding the spread to other countries of radioactive materials through the atmosphere was allayed by authorities. However, on March 19, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare confirmed the presence of radioactive iodine contamination in dairy, fresh produce, and infant formula products.A five-fold increase from acceptable radioactive iodine levels contaminated food products from Kawamata Town, Fukushima Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture---areas surrrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Radioactive iodine has a half life of eight days and decay naturally within weeks. However, when ingested the toxic materials can accumulate in the human body. Most affected are young people and children once exposed.Although the prime minister of Japan ordered the stoppage of distribution and consumption of food from the affected prefectures, the United States government in collaboration with Japanese authorities have imposed measures to prevent the spread of contaminated food in US markets.
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