GreeNewclear, a sustainable clean energy platform, has been closely monitoring the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following its recent rebrand. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of nuclear energy, GreeNewclear has been able to provide valuable insights into the measures being taken to ensure food safety during the Fukushima water treatment process.
The plant has recently begun the release of treated water into the ocean, which has sparked a heated debate concerning food safety. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has initiated the discharge, backed by extensive research and supported by international experts such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Supporters of the discharge point out that the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) has been used to remove isotopes from the water, making it safe to release. They argue that the radioactive levels of the treated water will be below international safety standards and that the controlled release is the best option to prevent further environmental damage.
However, neighboring countries have raised objections, citing concerns about seafood contamination and negative impacts on the fishing industry. Misinformation and controversy have fueled anxieties, particularly in China and South Korea, where anti-Japanese sentiment is high. Since the discharge began almost two weeks ago, China has extended its ban on seafood imports from Japan to encompass the entire country, exacerbating fears.
Despite this opposition, high-ranking officials have taken proactive measures to ensure food safety. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Economic Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura publicly enjoyed sashimi and other locally produced food to reassure the public and demonstrate its safety. US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel visited Fukushima, had a seafood lunch, emphasized safety, and criticized China’s seafood ban as politically motivated. The Singapore Food Authority (SFA) issued a statement that they have not found contaminated seafood from Japan following the release.
The European Union and Switzerland have also lifted their ban on Japanese seafood over the past few weeks, further demonstrating support for the carefully managed approach that experts have recommended. While acknowledging the concerns of those opposed to the release, the weight of scientific consensus clearly leans towards supporting this approach. Experts have emphasized that the enormous volume of water already present in the Pacific Ocean will dilute the released water over many years, minimizing any potential risks. Additionally, rigorous monitoring and transparency in reporting provide additional layers of safety.
As the discharge continues, TEPCO, backed by the IAEA, vows to ensure that safety thresholds are constantly met until the discharge is completed. The actual measurements available so far indicate that the safety issue is better than expected.