I.Concerns Aroused by Japans Decision to Discharge Nuclear - Contaminated Water into the Sea:

The Japanese government recently decided to start discharging the nuclear - contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea on August 24.This decision has drawn widespread attention and concern internationally.Although Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that he had communicated with local fishermen and obtained some understanding,the decision still faced strong opposition from many countries and regions.

II.Measures Taken by the Special Administrative Region Governments to Safeguard Food Safety:

To ensure food safety and the health of residents,the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region Governments responded promptly.The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government decided to ban the import of food from 10 prefectures and counties in Japan from August 24,including various aquatic products,sea salt,and seaweed.To strengthen supervision,the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will also issue press releases to announce the radiation test results of Japanese - imported food and disclose the radiation levels of local catches.

At the same time,the Macao Special Administrative Region government also expressed strong dissatisfaction and,starting from August 24,banned the import of various food products originating from 10 prefectures,including vegetables,fruits,dairy products,aquatic products and their derivatives,meat and its products,and poultry eggs.To enhance information transparency and strengthen public science education,the Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao launched a dedicated webpage titled "Nuclear Testing and Food Safety," providing radiation testing data and various science communication materials.

III.Statements and Measures by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Administration of Customs:

Wang Wenbin,a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,clearly stated at a press conference that the Chinese government will take all necessary measures to safeguard food safety and the health of the Chinese people.He urged Japan to revoke the plan to discharge nuclear - contaminated water into the sea,called on Japan to communicate in good faith with neighboring countries,properly handle the nuclear - contaminated water,and accept strict international supervision.

In addition,to prevent Japanese food that may be radioactively contaminated from entering the Chinese market,the General Administration of Customs decided to comprehensively suspend the import of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) originating in Japan from August 24,2023 (inclusive).The General Administration of CustomsThe person in charge of the Food Safety Bureau said that they will continue to strengthen the detection and monitoring of radioactive substances to ensure that products with risks are prevented from flowing into the Chinese market.

Japan’s decision to release Fukushima nuclear wastewater sparks international concern.Explore food safety measures by HK,Macau & China’s customs.