Radioactive Beef Found in Japanese Commerce

TOKYORadioactive cesium levels 4.6 times the legal limit have been detected in Japanese beef from cattle raised in the nuclear-damaged region of Fukushima, prompting the government to strengthen its food safety monitoring of cattle meat in Fukushima, and the nearby prefectures of Miyagi, Yamagata, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Niigata. The government reported some of the meat had likely been consumed by the public.

Tokyos metropolitan government reported 11 cows shipped to Tokyo from a single farm showed levels of radioactive cesium from 1,530-3,200 becquerel per kilogram, compared to the legal limit of 300 becquerel per kilogram. The cattle had passed the mandatory screening external test prior to shipping and slaughter; however the excessive cesium levels were detected on meat after the cattle were processed in Tokyo.

In March, the Japanese Ministry of Health released a list of 99 food products produced near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant that have tested for unsafe levels of radioactive iodine and cesium.