FDA Restricts Japanese Food Imports

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March 25, 2011

On March 22, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a temporary ban on imports of milk, baby formula, vegetables, and fruits produced or manufactured in the Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, or Gunma prefectures in Japan.  This announcement followed confirmation by Japanese officials on March 19, 2011, that the presence of radioactive iodine was detected in dairy, fresh produce, and infant formula products. Japanese data analysis shows that food products tested March 16-18, 2011, in Kawamata Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and Ibaraki Prefecture indicated the presence of radioactive iodine at five times the acceptable levels. On March 21, 2011 the Japanese Prime Minister ordered a stop to the distribution of milk, spinach and kakina into the market from the affected prefectures. On March 23, 2011 the Japanese Prime Minister added flowerhead brassicas, head leafy vegetables, and non-head leafy vegetables to the list of food products restricted from distribution to the market. The FDA subsequently added these items to the list of products from the affected prefectures that will be refused entry into the United States.

 

On March 23, 2011, the FDA announced that it is subjecting all food imports from the Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, and Tochigi prefectures to radiation testing. The FDA will continue to flag all Japanese entries to determine area of origin and will also monitor and test food products from other regions of Japan as deemed appropriate.

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