Britain has cut Fukushima imports since the disaster, the worst nuclear accident in the world since Chernobyl, but has phased them out, even when other countries restrict or ban production from the region. Johnson confirmed that the remaining restrictions would expire on Wednesday in a meeting the day before with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Germany. Johnson told Kishida that UK-Japan relations were moving from “power to power”. “Two great island democracies, united in our values, determined to stand together against totalitarianism and the dangers of regression in the world, but they also want to do more together in technology, security, trade and of course I’m glad that tomorrow – finally – “We can have Fukushima products in all stores in the UK,” he said. Supermarket chains Tesco and Waitrose have said they have no immediate plans to sell Fukushima products. Instead, many of the items will be available in Japanese restaurants and specialty Japanese stores in England, Scotland and Wales. The restrictions will remain in effect in Northern Ireland, which is subject to European Union rules on food and beverages from Fukushima and other counties affected by the accident 11 years ago. The restrictions were lifted after the UK Food Standards Agency lowered the limit of 100 becquerels – a measure of radioactivity – per kilogram contained in Japanese food. “Our risk assessment shows that the removal of the maximum radiofrequency level of 100 becquerels per kilogram (Bq / kg) for food imported from Japan to the United Kingdom would result in a negligible dose increase and any related risk to British consumers.” , the FSA reported. report at the end of last year. The Fukushima prefectural government says that after the disaster, food safety standards are among the strictest in the world. The government-mandated limit for radioactive cesium in common foods, such as meat and vegetables, is 100 becquerels per kilogram, compared with 1,250 Bq / kg in the EU and 1,200 Bq / kg in the US. The lifting of the restrictions will affect 23 food products, such as mushrooms, which previously needed proof that they had been tested for radioactive material, according to Nikkei Asia. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST The Japanese government said it “welcomes the fact that the UK government has made this decision on the basis of scientific evidence, as it will support the reconstruction of the affected areas”. He added that “he will continue to work for the timely lifting of the remaining restrictions on imports into the EU and other countries and regions.” China, Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and many other countries continue to impose restrictions on imports. Johnson first tried Fukushima production in 2017, when, as foreign minister, he picked up a can of peach juice given to him by his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, declaring it “Yum.”
