Investigation into Japanese food imports
After the earthquake and Tsunami that just hit Japan, the Australian government has decided that it will check wasabi imports (powder and paste only as they will not allow fresh imports) for radiation.
This is the official press release;
“AUSTRALIA’S food safety authority is investigating the possible risk that products imported from Japan could become contaminated with radiation.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand said a probe now underway will assess a narrow band of imported products including seaweed, wasabi and soy sauce.
It said the results of the probe will be handed to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to assist them in determining what additional border action is needed if any.”
They seem to be more concerned about radiation poisoning than about the fact that what they are importing as “wasabi” is only coloured horseradish and lots of additives (some of which will give you cancer anyway).
They need to look at the ingredient list closer – there are more things to worry about in the packages than potential radiation contamination.
Also why are they not running their Geiger counters over other Japanese food imports if they are that concerned about niche products?