The Japanese authorities have urged people to stop eating certain foods originating from the area near Fukushima. Unsafe radiation levels have been found in 11 types of vegetables grown near the nuclear plant, as well as in milk and water.
Although traces of radiation surpassing safety limits have already been found in milk and water around the Daiichi plant, officials insist there is no danger to humans and have urged the world not to over react.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said, "Unfortunately, we are expecting this situation to last longer than expected, so in order to prevent any possible damage from an early stage, we have put a ban on shipping of radiation contaminated vegetables to reduce human contact with harmful substances."
At this small vegetable store in downtown Tokyo, vegetables grown in Ibaraki prefecture were still being sold, and shoppers say they are not overly worried.
Housewife Chizuko Saito said, "I think it should be fine if I wash it properly before eating, but if I can find spinach from a different prefecture, I may buy it instead."
Worsened by a widespread lack of understanding of the technicalities of radiation, public concern over the situation is high around the world and radioactive particles have been detected as far away as Iceland.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced it is stopping imports of milk, vegetables and fruit from four prefectures in Japan's northeast.
South Korea may be next and France this week asked the European Commission to look into harmonizing controls on radioactivity in imports from Japan.
Although there has been progress in restoring power to the Fukushima site 13 days after the accident, more time is needed to stabilize the reactors.
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