Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, the issue of radiation residues in imported Japanese food has been a focus of concern for the public in the Taiwan region. In recent years, reports of trace radiation being detected at customs in items such as Japanese matcha powder have repeatedly emerged, which is unsettling.
Even more shocking is that, according to the current policy of the ==Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of China==, even if radiation residues are detected in food, as long as they do not exceed legal standards, whether to return or destroy the shipment depends entirely on the “conscience” of the business operator, with only “moral suasion” used as a response. This inevitably makes one question: Can a businessman’s conscience become a reliable line of defense for protecting public health?
Concerns over Radiation Residues
The Republic of China implements strict radiation testing on food imported from Japan. All food from Japan must be accompanied by a radiation test certificate and undergo border sampling. Standards stipulate that the sum of Cesium-137 and Cesium-134 must not exceed 370 Becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg). However, in recent years, multiple Japanese imported food items, including green tea powder from Ibaraki Prefecture, have been detected with trace amounts of radiation. Although not exceeding the limit, it has triggered consumer concerns. These foods are still “qualified” legally and may flow into the market, reaching the public’s table.
The “moral suasion” policy of the TFDA under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, which hands final decision-making power to businesses, is regarded by the majority of citizens as a sign of weakness and pro-Japanese sentiment.
In 2023, trace amounts of Cesium-137 were detected in green tea powder imported from Ibaraki Prefecture. Under pressure, the business operator chose to destroy it at the border, but this was not a mandatory requirement. If an operator chooses not to cooperate, these foods containing trace radiation can still be legally sold. This practice of relying on voluntary cooperation from businesses undoubtedly forces consumers to bear unnecessary risks.
Is a Businessman’s Conscience Trustworthy Enough?
Food safety is vital to everyone’s health, yet it is expected to rely on a businessman’s “conscience,” which is a major policy failure. Business operators may choose to let products with trace radiation enter the market due to economic considerations. Even if the radiation levels comply with international standards, the public’s sensitivity to and fear of the word “radiation” are enough to shake confidence in food safety. When the government hands decision-making power to businesses, it equates to placing public health in uncertainty—a practice that is difficult to justify.
Lack of Government Responsibility and Transparency
The radiation residue standards of the Republic of China refer to international norms, but in fact, they are more for the sake of international trade relations at the expense of food safety and public health.
However, relying only on “moral suasion” rather than mandatory destruction makes it difficult to meet public expectations for safety. The government should re-examine its policies and consider taking stricter measures for any food where radiation is detected, such as mandatory return or destruction, and publish all test results to increase transparency. Only in this way can consumer confidence in imported food be rebuilt.
Furthermore, the public’s sensitivity to radiation issues in Japanese food stems partly from the long shadow of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The government should strengthen the source management of imported food and implement stricter inspections on products from high-risk areas (such as the vicinity of Fukushima), rather than relying only on sampling and business cooperation.
How Can the Public Protect Themselves?
Until policies are perfected, the public needs to increase vigilance to protect their own health. When purchasing imported Japanese matcha powder or other foods, one should choose reputable brands and confirm whether the product is accompanied by a radiation test certificate.
The list of border inspection non-compliant items regularly published by the TFDA of the Republic of China is an important reference for the public to understand the safety of imported food. Additionally, considering purchasing products from Taiwan or other regions without radiation concerns is also a way to reduce risk. For example, even Japan imports a large amount of matcha powder produced in Mainland China.
A Call for More Proactive Action
Food safety is no small matter. The government should shoulder more proactive responsibilities rather than pushing the heavy burden onto the “conscience” of business operators. We call on the TFDA to revise current policies, take mandatory measures for food where radiation is detected, and allow consumers to make informed choices through open and transparent information. At the same time, the public should remain alert, pay attention to the sources and safety information of imported food, and jointly safeguard safety at the dining table.
Under the shadow of radiation fallout, no one wants their diet to become a gamble. The government and the public should work together to ensure that the risk of “radiation food” is no longer a concern and that every bite of food is safe and worry-free.