Singapore, Taiwan to test Japanese food for radiation

Singapore today said it was testing food imported from Japan for radiation, with Taiwan planning to follow suit after another explosion rocked an earthquake-hit atomic plant.

"As a precautionary measure, AVA (the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore) will monitor Japanese produce based on source and potential risk of contamination," Singapore's food regulator said in a statement.

"Samples will be taken for testing for radiation. Fresh produce will have priority. AVA will continue to closely monitor the situation and its developments."

The AVA said the bulk of Japanese imports arrive by sea, but high-end Japanese restaurants in Singapore routinely use air freight to fly in produce such as raw fish -- integral to sushi and sashimi -- to ensure its freshness and quality.

The city-state has a large concentration of restaurants serving Japanese cuisine, which is very popular among Singaporeans.

Government figures showed the city-state's imports from Japan totalling Sg USD 33.3 billion (USD 26.2 billion) last year.

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration also said Monday it was planning to test food from Japan for radiation and was finalising regulations governing such measures.

An explosion was seen today at the ageing Fukushima No. 1 atomic plant 250 kilometres (160 miles) northeast of Tokyo, after an earlier blast on Saturday.