Japan detects radiation in milk, spinach

2011-03-19 12:46

Osaka - Japan has detected abnormal levels of radioactivity in milk and spinach in areas near a stricken nuclear plant, but the foods pose no immediate threat to humans, government spokesperson Yukio Edano said on Saturday.

The contaminated milk was found in Fukushima prefecture, where the quake-damaged atomic power station is located, while the tainted spinach was discovered in neighbouring Ibaraki prefecture, Edano told reporters.

"Radiation exceeding the limit under Japanese law was detected," he said.

The representative said the health ministry has ordered authorities in both prefectures to investigate where the products came from, how they were distributed and - depending on their findings - suspend sales.

He urged consumers to remain calm, noting that even if a consumer were to drink the contaminated milk for a year, the radiation level would be the equivalent of one CT scan.

- AFP