Imported food checked for radiation :

Nothing to fear

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry yesterday said that all food imports to Sri Lanka were tested for radiation at the entry points.

“Sri Lanka does not import food from Japan on a large scale but imports food from Japan’s neighbouring countries. The Health Ministry inspects all food from those countries at the Colombo Harbour. Samples are sent to the National Atomic Energy Authority.

The food is released from the Colombo Harbour only after obtaining the report from the Authority. Food Inspectors attached to the Health Ministry implement the procedure. No food containing radioactive material were detected by the Authority,” a Health Ministry spokesman said.

The spokesman also said people arriving from Japan are screened. According to the spokesman, a person exposed to radiation does not pose any threat to others. Sri Lankans returning from Japan are advised to go through a check for radioactive substances at a special unit set up by the Atomic Energy Authority at its Orugodawatte office.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities are in constant touch with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sri Lanka will consult the IAEA if the need arises, Health Ministry spokesman added.