From September Contracts, 15 Types of Tests; Disposal if Noncompliant
The Gyeongnam Office of Education announced on the 24th that it will conduct a comprehensive radiation inspection of seafood for schools and seafood suppliers in the province.
The Office of Education explained that, as contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan will be discharged into the ocean starting at 1 p.m. today, the inspection is being carried out to alleviate the concerns of students and parents regarding seafood and to ensure safe food.
According to the Office of Education, the items subject to the comprehensive inspection include 15 types of seafood frequently supplied to schools: ▲anchovies ▲squid ▲pollock ▲shrimp ▲mackerel ▲Spanish mackerel ▲webfoot octopus ▲crab ▲flatfish ▲clams ▲octopus ▲kelp ▲eel ▲monkfish ▲seaweed.
The inspection will begin immediately from the school meal contracts in September, and if any items are found to be non-compliant, prompt notifications, suspension of supply and disposal, and securing alternative ingredients will be carried out.
The inspection results will be disclosed by item on the Office of Education’s website as soon as the analysis is completed.
A seafood safety communication group, composed of related agencies, parents, and seafood suppliers, will be convened next week to share information on the current response strategies of related agencies regarding seafood safety and to gather opinions to strengthen seafood safety.
The Office of Education plans to visit and inspect seafood processing companies, fish markets, and the Fisheries Cooperative Federation in person together with the communication group.
Measures such as separate ordering of seafood and strengthening of origin labeling will also continue.
Yoo Sang-jo, Director of the Education Welfare Division, said, “We will do our best to provide safe ingredients for school meals so that students and parents can feel at ease.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
