Phl bans plants from radiation-hit areas in Japan

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is imposing a temporary ban on the importation of plants, planting materials and plant products from radiation-affected areas in Japan.

Likewise, the Philippines will monitor and test such products imported from other areas in Japan for any possible radiation.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a memorandum temporarily suspending the importation of plants, planting materials, and plant products from radiation-affected areas of Japan following the nuclear contamination coming from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.

Quoting portions of a report from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the DA said the earthquake that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 has resulted in a serious nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant which may have affected the radionuclide levels of food, water and the atmosphere.

The DA noted that as of April 11, 2011, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, United States, Canada, Russia, EU, Brazil and Mexico have imposed partial or total restriction of food products from Japan, indicating serious concern on the safety of imported food and related products from Japan.