Dear Petition Supporters:  Whenever we see Japan's Prime Minister proclaim that food from Fukushima is "safe and delicious" and the US Ambassador tweets that he will feed it to his own children, we're witnessing nuclear industry SPIN at arguably it's worst (and now even Japan's "top chefs" are getting in on the act). 

What gives governments the nerve? In April 2011, just a few weeks after the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe began, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued this update ICRP 111: "There may be situations where a sustainable agricultural economy is not possible without placing contaminated food on the market. As such foods will be subject to market forces, this will necessitate an effective communication strategy to overcome the negative reactions from consumers outside the contaminated areas." 

That's right. Public officials are taking a page from the playbook of an international organization that claims to protect US when in fact, its mission is to protect the nuclear industry.  Sure sounds a lot like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA but that's another update...)

What can be done? Personal safety and policy action. Of course, it's crucial to be MINDFUL in our own lives. Sushi, indeed tuna served in any form, is risky at best and should be avoided because California Blue Fin tuna migrate from California to the Fukushima coast.  All food from Japan is suspect and some people (including yours truly) are choosing to avoid it altogether because we still don't have responsible public policy in place. FDA is still accepting FFAN's Citizen Petition comments as we continue to hold public officials accountable.

Due to multiple nations instituting food bans to protect their people (and the list is growing), those of us living in countries without bans are more vulnerable than ever. Seafood (tuna, mackerel, scallops and more), Kobu beef, seaweed, apples, rice, sake, green tea, and sauces are among Japan's major food exports to the US.  Hong Kong and China historically imported more than US, but their bans now mean that food will be directed elsewhere. The Japanese government recently stated it will support their fishing industry by expanding markets to countries that no longer have restrictions or bans (the US, UK among them). As you may remember from a previous update, the US FDA lifted food restrictions due to Fukushima in 2021.

There is some GOOD news. Fukushima Fallout Awareness Network has partnered with National Institute for Science, Law, and Public Policy. NISLAPP was founded in 1977 by consumer advocate extraordinaire (and original Nader Raider) James Turner and now features FFAN's work on it's website. I hope you'll stop by to check it out and make a donation today of any amount to further FFAN's goals: https://nislappdc.org/fukushima-fallout/ It's clear that we need more resources to accomplish our mission. Your support is very much appreciated.

Stay mindful, and thanks!

Kimberly Roberson, Fukushima Fallout Awareness Network