Radiation Leak May Make Japanese Wagyu Beef, Rice Shunned

Agricultural production and exports by Japan, including premium “wagyu” beef and rice, are under threat of radioactive contamination as the nation struggles to stem pollution from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has asked each prefectural governor to start testing agricultural and marine products along with drinking water for possible contamination in order to keep tainted food including grains, milk, vegetables, meat and eggs from the market, said Kumiko Tanaka at the ministry’s policy planning and communication division.