04 Apr 2011
The Singapore Government is following the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant very closely. It is continuing its measures to safeguard Singapore from radioactive contamination.
Suspension of import of fruits and vegetables from Shizuoka Prefecture
2. Following the latest detection of radioactive contaminants in a sample of Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach) imported from the Shizuoka prefecture, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) will extend its suspension of import of fruits and vegetables from Shizuoka with immediate effect.
3. AVA has increased its surveillance of food imports from Japan since the start of the incident at Fukushima Nuclear Plant to ensure that they are safe for consumption. To date, 379 samples of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products imported from Japan have been tested for radioactive contamination.
4. Tests done on shipments imported on 30 Mar 2011 showed that radioactive contaminants were found in the following sample of vegetables:
| Item (Source) |
Detection Levels
|
|
Iodine-131
|
Cesium-134
|
Cesium-137
|
|
Komatsuna(Japanese Mustard Spinach)/ Shizuoka
|
648bq/kg
|
155bq/kg
|
187bq/kg
|
5. Since 25 Mar 2011, all consignments of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, milk and milk products have been subjected to hold-and-test. This means that the products will only be released for sale when test results show that there is no radioactive contamination. If radioactive contaminants are detected in any sample, the affected shipment will be disposed of.
6. As such, food imported from Japan that is available in the market is safe for consumption. There is no cause for concern for consumers.
7. The table at Annex A provides the status of the suspension of food imports from Japan as at 31 March. (See Annex A here)
Screening of Cargo
8. The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore (ICA) already has a screening system for all cargoes entering Singapore. This includes radiological screening. Such screening had been conducted even before the recent Japan nuclear incident.
Screening of Passengers, Aircraft and Vessels
9. Current developments do not necessitate the screening of aircraft and vessels from Japan.
10. As reported in a previous joint statement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there are also no health reasons to screen passengers from Japan.
11. Nonetheless, the Singapore Government continues to monitor the developments and will take appropriate measures should the need arise.
Radiation Levels in Singapore
12. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is monitoring radiation levels in Singapore on a continuous basis. Radiation levels in Singapore remain normal. Coastal water samples tested also do not show the presence of radioactive iodine and cesium.
13. PUB has also stepped up the daily monitoring of radioactivity level in Singapore’s water supplies, including rain water in the catchments. These radioactivity levels remain well within the safety levels stipulated in the World Health Organisation Drinking Water Guidelines. Should any radioactive particles be detected, PUB waterworks are also able to remove them through the treatment process.
Risks of Cross-Contamination
14. NEA advises that there is low risk of cross-contamination from passengers, flight crew, baggage or cargo from Japan.
15. External contamination takes place when radioactive material such as radioactive dust becomes attached to a person or object. This type of contamination can be washed off. As the levels of radioactive contaminants are expected to be low, there is low likelihood for a person or object with external contamination to affect another person through contact.
16. Internal contamination may result from breathing in or swallowing radioactive material or through contamination of wounds. It is highly unlikely for a person with internal contamination to contaminate another person.
MOH health advisory
17. MOH’s assessment is that any Singaporean who was outside the evacuation zones do not need any form of medical assessment nor do they need to seek prescriptions for potassium iodide (KI). Transient consumption of produce and animal products at current reported levels of contamination is also unlikely to pose a health hazard.
18. Singaporeans returning from the evacuation zone who feel unwell may wish to seek medical advice at the Emergency Department of their nearby Public Restructured Hospital (RH) 1 upon return to Singapore for medical consultation. Among those who have sought medical advice at the restructured hospitals, none has tested positive for radiation exposure so far. Information Updates
19. The public can visit the micro-site on www.gov.sg/japanquake for the latest information and updates on the Fukushima situation. This site contains relevant FAQs, joint statements by relevant government agencies, hotline information and other useful links to relevant ministries and agencies. The microsite is also available through the www.gov.sg apps on the iPhone and Android phones, as well as the www.gov.sg mobile site.
Click here for full statement.
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