Hong Kong May Ban Marine Products From Japanese Prefectures Over Wastewater Discharge Plan

11-7-2023 (HONG KONG) Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, has stated that the city will ban marine products from “a large number” of Japanese prefectures if Japan discharges treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Lee emphasised that his government would err on the side of caution due to the unprecedented nature of the planned release of wastewater. He added that the issue affects not only the current population of Hong Kong but also future generations. However, Lee did not name the prefectures or products that would be affected by the ban.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant’s cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt and releasing large amounts of radiation. The tanks storing the water used since the accident to cool the reactor cores will reach their capacity in early 2024. In response, Japan’s government announced plans in 2021 to gradually release the treated, but still slightly radioactive, water following its dilution to safe levels. Japanese officials argue that the water, currently stored in about a thousand tanks at the plant, needs to be removed to prevent accidental leaks in case of an earthquake and to make room for the plant’s decommissioning.

Last week, the United Nations nuclear agency endorsed the plan, stating that it meets international standards and that the environmental and health impact would be negligible. However, local fishing communities and neighbouring countries, including South Korea, China, and Pacific Island nations, have raised safety concerns. Chinese authorities recently highlighted import restrictions on food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima.

Hong Kong’s government will formulate policies in response to Japan’s plans, Lee said, and these will be announced when ready. In Hong Kong, the import of certain products, such as fruits and vegetables, from Fukushima is currently banned. Other products such as meat and poultry are allowed in if they come with a radiation certificate. Additionally, the import of many food products from four other Japanese prefectures immediately south of Fukushima – Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Chiba – will also have to be accompanied with a radiation certificate. While the city is not highly dependent on Japanese food products in terms of quantity, many residents are fond of Japanese food, and there are many Japanese restaurants across the territory, according to the government.