Kopp Online, Xander News and other non-English news agencies are reporting that the EU implemented a secret “emergency” order without informing the public which increases the amount of radiation in food by up to 20 times previous food standards.
According to EU by-laws, radiation limits may be raised during a nuclear emergency to prevent food shortages.
But there is anger across Europe because this emergency order was issued while officials say there is no threat to the food.
Food Watch is quoted [using Google translator]:
These rules now to bring into force is absurd, because in Europe there are no nuclear emergency, and certainly no shortage of food.
The European Union has authorized radioactive load in foods in Japan has increased substantially. Until now, a maximum of 600 becquerels of radioactivity (cesium 134 and cesium 137) per kilogram allowed, but since last weekend for example oil or herbal suddenly 12,500 becquerels per kilogram, more than 20 times as high. The increase was recorded in Emergency Ordinance 297/2011 on March 27 and was in force.
While politicians talk about “enhanced control measures” and “special protection standards” is universally silent on the huge increase in the allowable limits in food in Japan. Nevertheless we are reassured with the assurance that we have no worry about radioactive products from Japan.
Explain why a 20 times as high value would make no difference for the consumer safety did not come.
According to the Food Watch advocacy does this policy provides greater confidence of European citizens in the EU measures. Food Watch wants an immediate ban on all goods coming from the affected region are Japanese. Incidentally, in Europe there is very little food imported from Japan.
Link: Previous limits (EU Regulation 733/2008)
Link: EU Emergency Ordinance 297/2011
Link: New limit values (EU Regulation 3954/1987)
Link: New limits of “food with a low significance (EU Regulation 944/89)
Link: Environment Institute Munich eV
