Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

Standards for radiation in food products
(Abridged)

REPORTER: Following the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, during the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan, standards for radiation in food products were made stricter than similar standards overseas. Does the Government intend to revise these standards in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the current time the Government has no plans to revise the classifications or standard values for food products. The ministries and agencies concerned will continue to cooperate fully to respond to this issue. The Government has received requests from producers for further efforts to be made to make the public aware that food products that are confirmed to be below the stipulated standards are safe to consume. The Government therefore seeks to make maximum efforts to provide clear explanations about food standards and respond to the requests of producers. The greatest concern of local producers is that they do not become subject to reputational damages from rumors concerning radiation and the Government will make thorough efforts to respond to such concerns.

(Abridged)