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Published: Wednesday March 16, 2011 MYT 9:17:00 PM

Radiation-free certification required for Japan food imports from April 15


KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning April 15, the Health Ministry will make it a requirement for food products imported from Japan to have certificates of radioactivity issued by competent authorities in the country, to ensure the products are safe.

Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, in a statement here Wednesday, said the ministry would enlist the cooperation of agencies like the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (MNA), Customs Department, importers and freight forwarders to ensure compliance.

He said Level Five checks on food imports from Japan using the "detain-test-release" method havw been instituted now to assure the products met radiation safety standards as set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (COC).

Under the method, samples are taken for testing on radioactivity by MNA at point of entry and consigments only released if they passed the COC safety standards.

"Among the products are fruits, vegetables, fish and fish produce and meat products," added Liow. - Bernama Related Stories:
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