Tomokatsu Sowa Farmers of Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, criticized the Tokyo Electric Power Co. and the agriculture ministry on Friday, July 18, for failing to make public for nearly a year that radioactive cesium has been dispersed during work last summer to remove debris at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. The fallout may have caused radioactive contamination of rice grown in Minamisoma, as cesium exceeding the government limit of 100 becquerels per kilogram was detected in rice harvested last fall in the city, including areas located more than 20 km from the crippled nuclear plant. In a meeting between farmers, local governments, TEPCO and the ministry held in … Continue reading →

  The Consumer Affairs Agency has decided to allow all food products to be labeled as having health benefits to certain parts of the body starting next fiscal year, provided that producers offer scientific evidences, it was learned Friday, July 18. Under the new system, food manufacturers will be able to specifically label their products as being effective in helping maintain the health of eyes or bones for example. As for agricultural products, items with well-grounded health benefits are currently limited to such products as tangerines and green tea. In order to utilize the system to boost sales, it will be necessary to clarify functions of more food items. The … Continue reading →