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Global Food Imports Impacted by Japan


<h3>Japan’s Potential Radiation Leaves Food Shortage</h3>
The consequences of Japan’s recent disasters are starting to have an impact on global food imports.  Along with America, Australia and Singapore have now been restricting food and milk imports from there, with Canada set to also pull the reins on its screening.  Those living in Tokyo have even been told not to give their young children tap water due to contamination which stands at twice the safety level; that’s 13 million people who need to worry about the safety of their drinking water.

Anywhere close to Fukushima is a worry vis-à-vis milk and vegetables that look to have major radiation above safety levels.  According to Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, there have  not been any food imports from Japan’s affected regions following the Fukushima plant disaster.  There have of course been major attempts at stabilizing this plant but it’s taking time.  
<h3>Radioactivity Issues to Impact Food Imports</h3>
There are substantial attempts now to screen Japan’s food imports for radioactive presence, especially vis-à-vis fish and shellfish.  Indeed, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is now working to do just this, with the assistant of port health authorities and other governmental departments.


If Japan is prevented from importing foods, this will have a further negative impact on the country’s economy.  And right now, even though the United Kingdom only receives 0.1 percent from Japan, if any of that is found to have illegal radiation levels, it will not be able to enter the country.  So now food authorities in Japan are discussing the matter with the FSA to find a solution.  
Japan clearly has a long way to go in its recovery. The worst of course is the daily increase of fatalities.  But from another perspective, what must be remembered is that it has a long road back to becoming the world economic superpower it once was.

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