SEOUL, South Korea – One year since the controversial release of treated water from Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, Seoul’s food safety tests have consistently met radiation safety standards, according to local authorities.
From August 24, 2022, when Japan began discharging the treated water, to the same date this year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted a total of 26,772 food radioactivity tests, with all results conforming to safety standards. Additionally, around 5,000 more tests are scheduled to be carried out in September.
The city’s food safety measures have been significantly bolstered in response to the Fukushima discharge. The Seoul government has been implementing daily radioactivity tests at seafood wholesale markets, aiming to ease public concerns. Districts within the city have also stepped up their efforts, conducting weekly tests at traditional markets three times a week.
The safety of our food supply is our top priority, said a representative from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. We have intensified our monitoring efforts to ensure that all food items are safe for consumption, especially in light of the recent events in Japan.
The current testing regimen is a continuation of efforts that began in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011. From 2012 to 2023, the Seoul government has conducted 21,539 tests on various samples, with all results meeting safety standards.
In addition to routine testing, the city has implemented a Citizen Radiation Testing Application system, allowing residents to request government-conducted radiation tests. Since 2012, the city has received 1,471 such applications, with 208 being processed this year.
The intensified testing comes as Japan faces international criticism for its decision to release treated water from the Fukushima plant. Environmental groups and neighboring countries have raised concerns about potential ecological and health impacts.
Despite these concerns, the Seoul government’s tests have shown no signs of radiation contamination in the city’s food supply. Our tests have been thorough and transparent, providing reassurance to the public that the food they consume is safe, the representative added.
The testing efforts have also been complemented by public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the importance of food safety and the steps being taken to ensure it. The Seoul government has been working closely with local markets and vendors to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The situation has been closely monitored by the international community. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been involved in verifying the safety of Japan’s discharge process, and South Korea has expressed its intention to participate in the IAEA’s fifth cross-validation of Japan’s discharge activities.
The food safety tests in Seoul are part of a broader effort to monitor the potential impact of the Fukushima discharge on the region’s food supply. While the tests have provided reassurance, the ongoing monitoring is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the continued safety of food items.
As the one-year anniversary of the Fukushima discharge passes, the Seoul government remains committed to its rigorous testing regimen. The city’s focus on food safety is a testament to its dedication to protecting the health and well-being of its residents, despite the challenges posed by international environmental issues.
For more information, please contact:
Seoul Metropolitan Government
Press Office
Email: press.office@seoul.gov
Phone: +82-2-2133-5373
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