SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Yonhap) — The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries has guaranteed that South Korea’s seafood is safe for consumption despite worries concerning the discharge of polluted water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.
“I am certain that our oceans and seafood are completely safe,” Cho Seung-hwan declared during a press conference on Monday, citing data to back his statement.
Cho noted that despite safety issues, sales of seafood at local markets have grown, and the government will keep organizing promotional activities and distributing coupons to encourage local consumption.
The minister acknowledged the public’s ongoing concerns about Japan’s release of contaminated water, adding that the government will use all available resources to observe radiation levels in seafood.
Earlier this month, Japan conducted the second phase of the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean after the first phase was done between Aug. 24 and Sept. 11. The third round of release is planned for early November.
Oceans Minister Cho Seung-hwan speaks during a meeting with reporters in the central city of Sejong on Oct. 30, 2023, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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