Don't Worry About Japanese Seafood!... Dongjak-gu Operates 'Radiation Testing Center'

Preemptive Inspections Conducted on Distributed Seafood at Traditional Markets and Marts... Residents Can Apply Directly for Testing if Desired

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) announced that it will operate a "Food Radioactivity Testing Center" to strengthen the safety management of distributed seafood.

The district installed a dedicated food radioactivity measuring device and established an in-house radioactivity testing laboratory within the Dongjak-gu Public Health Center to alleviate residents' concerns about seafood due to the Fukushima contaminated water discharge and to enhance food safety.

Through the radioactivity testing center, the district will conduct regular proactive inspections of seafood distributed in traditional markets and marts within the district and operate a radioactivity testing request system for residents.

First, the proactive inspection targets a total of 80 types of seafood, focusing on fish such as mackerel and pollock, which are frequently purchased and consumed by consumers.

In particular, the dedicated radioactivity safety management team will include consumer food hygiene inspectors to increase the transparency of sample collection and testing.

The inspection is conducted by preprocessing seafood purchased from seafood retailers and then measuring radioactivity using the measuring device. Results can be confirmed within one hour, and the inspection results are disclosed on the district’s website on the same day.

The district’s standard for judgment is 10 Bq/kg; if detected levels exceed this standard, a detailed inspection will be requested from the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment. If abnormalities persist after re-inspection, distribution and sales will be immediately prohibited, and all products will be recalled and confiscated for disposal.

Additionally, the district promotes a seafood radioactivity testing request system for residents.

Residents who wish to have seafood tested for radioactivity can apply directly via the district’s website or by phone.

After reviewing the eligibility of the testing target, the inspection is conducted, and the results are notified to the applicant and simultaneously disclosed in real time on the district’s website.

Notably, Dongjak-gu is home to the Noryangjin Seafood Wholesale Market, the largest seafood market in the nation where various seafood products gather. The operation of this in-house testing center is expected to serve as a channel to strengthen food safety and restore consumer confidence.

From last year through February of this year, the district conducted a total of 65 radioactivity tests, all of which received a "suitable" judgment, continuously promoting seafood safety management.

For other inquiries related to the operation of the seafood radioactivity testing center, contact the Health Administration Division of Dongjak-gu Public Health Center by phone.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, stated, "We will conduct systematic inspections of seafood to alleviate residents' concerns," and added, "We will continue to strengthen safety management in all areas related not only to food but also to the safety and health of our residents."