SEOUL (Bernama) — The oceans minister has reassured that South Korea’s seafood is safe to consume despite concerns about the discharge of contaminated water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant.
“My conviction that our oceans and seafood are entirely safe remains unwavering,” Yonhap news agency quoted the Oceans Minister Cho Seung Hwan as saying during a meeting with reporters on Monday, pointing out that ample data is backing the claim.
Cho added despite safety concerns, sales of seafood at local markets have increased, and that the government will continue to launch promotional events and distribute coupons to bolster local consumption.
The minister nevertheless said he acknowledges the public’s lingering concerns over Japan’s release of contaminated water, adding the government will utilise all available resources to monitor radiation levels in seafood.
Earlier this month, Japan launched the second phase of the discharge of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean after the first phase was carried out between Aug 24 and Sept 11.
The third round of release is scheduled for early November.
