nuclear-news

Fukushima cows ate irradiated straw

High radiation found in straw given to cows whose meat was contaminated, Mainichi Daily News, 11 July 11, FUKUSHIMA –– High levels of radioactive cesium have been detected in rice straw used as feed for cows from a Fukushima Prefecture city whose meat contained excessive levels of cesium.

The meat of 11 head of Japanese black cattle that were raised and shipped from a farm in the city of Minamisoma had 1,530 to 3,200 becquerels of radioactive cesium per kilogram, while the maximum amount permitted is 500 becquerels per kilogram.

According to Fukushima prefectural officials, the farm operator fed the cattle rice straw that had been harvested last autumn and left outside. Officials believe it is highly likely that the rice straw eaten by the cows contaminated their meat, and are considering tightening rules on feed management…..http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110711p2a00m0na017000c.html

July 11, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | - Fukushima 2011