17 March 2011, Rome - One of the strongest earthquakes on record triggered a powerful tsunami that has had a devastating effect on Japan, including on-site emergencies at several nuclear power plants. The following general information and questions and answers have been produced in response to growing international concerns over food becoming contaminated with radioactivity. The following information has been generated by FAO and WHO.

Q1: Is it safe to eat food imported from Japan?

Answer: Japan is not a major food exporter. Currently there is no indication of transboundary food safety risks due to imports of food from Japan. Food safety concerns are restricted to food from the affected zone around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Given the reported safety measures, it would be unlikely that food production or harvesting is taking place in the evacuated area.

Q2: What are international guidelines for radionuclides for food trade following a nuclear or radiological emergency?

The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted Guideline Levels that apply to radionuclides contained in foods destined for human consumption and traded internationally, which have been contaminated following a nuclear or radiological emergency (GL CAC-2006). (See: http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/more_info.jsp?id_sta=17)

Q3: How can food products become radioactive?

Foods can be contaminated with radioactive materials as the result of a nuclear or radiological emergency. The surface of foods like fruits and vegetables or animal feed can become radioactive by deposit of radioactive materials falling on it from the air or through rain water. Over time, radioactivity can also build up within a food, as radionuclides are transferred through soil into crops or animals, or into rivers, lakes and the sea where fish and shellfish could take up the radionuclides. The severity of the risk depends on the radionuclide mix and the level of contaminant released.

Radioactivity cannot contaminate food that is packaged, for example tinned or plastic wrapped food is protected from radioactivity as long as the food is sealed.

Q4: What general advice can be given to food consumers and producers in the event of a nuclear emergency?

The response to an emergency involving radioactivity should be the same as the response to any emergency involving any hazardous material contaminating food. In the early stages of an emergency, and if it is safe to do so, it is possible to take immediate actions to prevent or minimise the contamination of food by radiological materials. For example, it is possible to:

• Protect growing vegetables and animal fodder - cover with plastic sheets or tarpaulins.
• Bring livestock in from pasture - move animals into a shed or barn.
• Harvest any ripe crops and place under cover.

Many other short term, medium and long term actions need to be considered in areas confirmed to be seriously contaminated such as:

• Avoid consumption of locally produced milk or vegetables
• Avoid slaughtering animals
• Avoid fishing, hunting or gathering mushrooms or other forest foods

(See: http://www-naweb.iaea.org/nafa/emergency/index.htm)

Q5: What is FAO's role in radiological emergencies?

In case of a nuclear or radiological emergency and in response to requests from member countries, FAO can provide assistance in:
 

• Assessing radioactive contamination of the agricultural environment and especially foods;
• Providing technical advice in determining appropriate medium and long-term agricultural countermeasures which cover soil and land, forests, agricultural production including fisheries, animal health and welfare and food safety;
• Facilitating international trade of foods (which includes agricultural produce).

Furthermore FAO can supply assistance through the provision of background guidance and scientific information, some financial and applied technical assistance on relevant actions and agricultural countermeasures, through the fielding of specialized teams and by providing, in co-operation with the IAEA, analytical services.

Q7: What is WHO's role in nuclear emergencies?

In accordance with its Constitution and the International Health Regulations, WHO is mandated to assess public health risks and provide technical consultation and assistance in association with public health events, including those associated with radiation events. In doing so, WHO is working with independent experts and other UN agencies. WHO's work is supported by a global network comprising more than 40 specialized institutions in radiation emergency medicine. The network, the Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN), provides technical assistance for radiation emergency preparedness and response.