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Prime Minister Observes Inspection of Imported Food


Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Photographs of the Prime Minister observing collection of samples of imported adzuki beans Photograph of the Prime Minister observing grinding up of food samples for testing
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving an explanation of the testing of food samples Photograph of the Prime Minister observing the work of analysis Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting the Earth Science Museum

Click photographs to enlarge


Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, to observe the inspection of imported foods that is conducted, at point of entry into Japan, to ensure food safety.

First, Prime Minister Fukuda visited a warehouse for storing imported foodstuffs, and observed the work of a food sanitation inspector of Yokohama Quarantine Station collecting adzuki beans from a sack so that they can be tested to make sure that they contain no residual toxic substances.

The Prime Minister then visited the Quarantine Inspection Center for Imported Food of Yokohama Quarantine Station, where actual testing is conducted, including the grinding up of food samples and extraction of their components. Prime Minister Fukuda observed the process of inspection of agrochemicals, including for the residue of pesticides and weedicides stipulated for use in agricultural crops by the Food Sanitation Law, and also the process of inspection of veterinary drugs, including antibacterial agents and synthetic antimicrobials contained in livestock and fishery products, and of additives and mycotoxins in processed foods.

Prime Minister Fukuda said of his impressions of his visit to the Inspection Center, "I was able to confirm first hand that every staff member was working devotedly. Food samples are sent from around the country to this site, which is one of only two facilities for food inspection, the other being in Kobe. I would like to give thorough consideration to the issue of whether or not the current system is fit for purpose and, in particular, whether or not it could fully cope with a significant increase in food imports. Of particular concern is the adequacy of the inspections for processed foods. While I have been informed that fresh foods have been sufficiently well inspected, I believe we need to consider strengthening the system for processed foods." Prime Minister Fukuda also said in relation to the system to be implemented, "The occurrence of the latest problem (of the food poisoning cases) has brought home to us the necessity of reviewing the entire system. We must seriously consider the promotion of consumer policy."

Afterwards, Prime Minister Fukuda visited the Earth Simulator Center of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), where he received an explanation of the simulation facility for conducting various researches, including forecasting global warming.