Naharnet

Japan Finds Radiation in Rice, More Tests Planned

Officials say Japan is ordering more tests on rice growing near a crippled nuclear power plant after finding elevated levels of radiation.

The government officials said Saturday that a sample of unharvested rice contained 500 becquerels of cesium per kilogram.

Radioactive cesium was spewed from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant after it was damaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March.

Under Japanese regulations, rice with up to 500 becquerels of cesium per kilogram is considered safe for consumption.

Officials have tested rice from more than 400 spots in Fukushima prefecture.

They say the highest level of cesium previously found was 136 becquerels per kilogram.

Source: Associated Press


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