A recent investigation by a local citizens’ group revealed that 28% of 100 wild mushroom samples sourced from regions such as Iwate and Fukushima through online marketplaces like Mercari exceeded Japan’s regulatory limit for radioactive cesium. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
TOKYO/SEOUL, Dec. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Fourteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, radioactive contamination remains a serious issue for wild mushrooms harvested in eastern Japan, according to a report by Tokyo Shimbun on December 22.
A recent investigation by a local citizens’ group revealed that 28% of 100 wild mushroom samples sourced from regions such as Iwate and Fukushima through online marketplaces like Mercari exceeded Japan’s regulatory limit for radioactive cesium, set at 100 becquerels per kilogram.
The most contaminated sample, dried wild matsutake from Iwate, recorded over 2,000 becquerels per kilogram—more than 20 times the legal limit. Despite restrictions on mushroom harvesting in some areas of Iwate, 24 of the 28 contaminated samples were matsutake mushrooms, all sold anonymously online.
The Tokyo Shimbun highlighted the inadequacy of government spot checks on food sold via online platforms, which allow for anonymous transactions. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducts testing for radioactive materials in agricultural and marine products, with results published online. By the end of November 2024, approximately 0.3% of 34,000 samples tested nationwide exceeded safety thresholds.
The contamination stems from the 2011 tsunami-triggered meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which released significant amounts of radioactive material. Cesium, with a half-life of 30 years, continues to migrate from soil into plants, persisting in the food chain.
In response, South Korea maintains a complete ban on seafood imports from Fukushima and eight surrounding prefectures. Additionally, imports of 27 agricultural products, including mushrooms and rice from Fukushima and 13 other prefectures, remain prohibited.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
