Cesium Levels Exceed Standards in Honey Produced Near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 23rd that radioactive cesium exceeding the standard limit was detected in honey produced in Namie-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

According to the report, Fukushima Prefecture announced the previous day that cesium measuring 130 to 160 becquerels (Bq) per kilogram, exceeding the government standard of 100 becquerels per kilogram, was detected in honey produced by the Sawakami Management Cultivation Cooperative Beekeeping Department in Namie-machi.

Namie-machi is an area near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, where many "difficult-to-return zones" remain due to incomplete decontamination of radioactive materials.

This is the first time that cesium exceeding the standard limit has been detected in honey from Fukushima Prefecture.

The Yomiuri reported that the Sawakami Management Cultivation Cooperative is recalling honey that had been sold in local stores.