nuclear-news

All radioactive beef to be bought by Japanese govt?

Government may buy all radioactive beef, Asahi.com 23 July 11, The central government is considering buying all beef with levels of radioactive cesium exceeding government standards in an effort to try to address rising consumer concern and falling prices for Japanese beef.

It would be the first time the central government has provided direct compensation for food products contaminated by the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

However, the current draft plan only envisages paying for beef that has been confirmed as contaminated in random tests. Meat from cows that have not been tested will not be bought.

Farmers are demanding that all cows affected by shipment restrictions be bought up by the government to cover large losses from tumbling beef prices due to the radiation scare.

Vegetables and seafood with levels of radioactive materials exceeding government standards have also been found but there is currently no government plan to purchase those products.

The payment of compensation to beef farmers could lead to complaints from other farmers and fishermen of preferential treatment…..

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201107220312.html

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July 23, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, politics