China Bans Seafood Products Import from Japan Over Nuclear Waste

China – China on Friday issued a ban on imports of food products, especially seafood, from Japan as the country continues with its plans to release nuclear wastewater into the sea, according to the Global Times newspaper.

Beijing banned buying food from 10 regions in Japan including Fukushima, according to China's General Administration of Customs.

The measure is aimed at preventing import of "radioactive-contaminated food" from Japan and ensuring the safety of imported food for Chinese consumers, the newspaper said.

Beijing’s move comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency said Japan’s release of the treated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant will have a “negligible” impact on people and the environment.

“For food from other regions in Japan, especially aquatic products,” the customs said, it “will rigorously review the certification documents, strengthen supervision, strictly implement 100% inspection, and continuously enhance monitoring for radioactive materials.”

Japan plans to release the accumulated radioactive water this summer.