Post-Crisis Food Security

In the wake of the destruction of the nuclear plant in Japan, there is growing concern over how our food supply might be affected. People are worried about unknowingly eating dangerous amounts of radiation in foods coming from Japan, and they have every justification in their concerns. About 4% of food in our country comes from Japan and farms up to 70 miles away from the plant have recently detected dangerous levels of radiation in spinach and milk. The same areas are also commonly known for their production of melons, rice, and peaches, so it is quite possible that contamination from the plant could potentially affect other food supplies, as well.

Michigan grown peaches from Kapnik Orchards

High levels of radiation can lead to cancer, and also may cause many other symptoms, including: nausea and vomiting, spontaneous bleeding, bloody diarrhea, blistering skin, hair loss, severe fatigue, mouth ulcers, and random infections.

With so many terrifying possibilities that could result from exposure to radiation, it is no wonder that people are currently questioning more than ever if their food is safe. Many restaurants have stopped using Japanese fish and produce, and some will not even serve spinach of any kind because they don’t want their customers to wonder if there might possibly be some infected spinach in the dish they are eating.

Michigan grown spinach from Sunseed Farm

While it is justified that people are concerned about the radiation and want to feel comfortable with whatever they are eating, it seems that there may not actually be much to worry about (at least for us here in the US).

Trace amounts of radiation have been found in milk in Arizona, California, and Washington, but experts say those levels would need to be about 5000 times higher than they are to be considered dangerous. Chances of contamination reaching American soil are extremely low, but many American farmers are, nonetheless, being careful and testing their soil for radiation. Many American restaurants are buying radiation detectors to make sure their food is safe, as well. Many restaurants and grocery stores have stopped selling Japanese fish and produce altogether—even that which passes the tests.

Furthermore, precautions are being taken by the Japanese government to ensure that they do not export any contaminated produce. Tests are being conducted on fish, grains, milk, vegetables, meat and eggs, and if any foods are found to be contaminated, distribution will be halted. Customs officials at both ends are carefully testing all Japanese food exports so that we face almost no risk of exposure.

So, while there may be lots of good food wasted and lost to cautious speculation, Americans can feel pretty confident that any Japanese food we are finding in our restaurants and grocery stores is safe for consumption. Rest assured!

Stay Fresh,

Lindsay Partridge

Sources and additional information:

1 Response to Post-Crisis Food Security

Daina Lee Wolner says:

June 11, 2011 at 6:03 am

I had not even thought about the food that was coming out of Japan- until I read this article. It’s stated that the radiation levels were reported to be below toxic level. It seems to me that most produce grown by industrial farming would have trace amounts of toxins and impurities, and that it depends a lot upon the consumer to decide for themselves what they will allow into their bodies. As the destructive systems now in place come to shakier grounds, I am entirely hopeful in seeing the upsurge of conscious individuals working to strengthen and maintain the health of the planet, and of our support by Her in the food system