Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami:
Food and Agriculture Implications

Renée Johnson
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
April 13, 2011
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R41766
CRS Report for Congress
P
repared for Members and Committees of Congress

Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami: Food and Agriculture Implications

Summary
The March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused widespread devastation that
affected many of the country’s agricultural and fishery areas. The nuclear crisis that followed at
the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, and the subsequent detection of radioactive contamination
of food produced near the disabled facility, further raised fears about the safety of Japan’s food
production systems and its future food exports. Most reports acknowledge that Japan’s current
production and supply shortages, along with rising food safety concerns and possible longer-term
radiation threats to its food production, could limit Japan’s food exports while possibly increasing
its need for food imports in the future. It is still not clear what effect, if any, Japan’s current food
supply and demand situation will have on world farm commodity markets and food prices.
Following initial reports about possible radioactive contamination of foods, many countries
increased their surveillance of food imports from Japan. In addition to the United States, others
imposing heightened surveillance measures include the European Union, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand, India, and most Asian nations, such as China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Singapore, Korea, and Thailand, among others. Import restrictions vary by country but broadly
cover milk and milk products, vegetables and fruit, and seafood and meat from those prefectures
with a perceived risk of contamination, specifically Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma.
Several international organizations, including the various organizations of the United Nations, are
closely monitoring global concerns about the safety of foods produced in Japan.
The Japanese government has taken steps to monitor and restrict, if necessary, the distribution of
contaminated foods. Testing has been conducted nearly daily to detect possible radioactive
contaminants on a wide range of plant and animal products, including fish, and also tap water in
some of the coastal prefectures as well as in southern prefectures near the disabled Fukushima
facility. In March 2011, Japan’s government made a series of announcements restricting the
distribution and consumption of certain vegetables harvested in Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and
Gunma prefectures, and fresh raw milk produced in Fukushima prefecture. In April 2011, there
were additional announcements regarding possible contaminated fish products, and also an
announcement restricting spinach and leafy greens from Chiba prefecture.
In the United States, the two principal agencies that regulate U.S. food imports—the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—have taken steps
to address these concerns. Following Japan’s announcement that some foods had been
contaminated by radiation, FDA issued an “Import Alert” for certain milk products and fresh
vegetables produced or manufactured in the Japanese prefectures of Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi,
and Gunma. As of early April, FDA’s import alert does not cover Japanese seafood. Both FDA
and USDA have announced that they are taking extra steps to better track U.S. food imports from
Japan, working in conjunction with existing border inspectors at the Department of Homeland
Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Other U.S. agencies are also addressing concerns about whether radiation from Japan might affect
food production in the United States or in U.S. territories in the Pacific. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is continuously monitoring the nation’s air and is regularly monitoring
drinking water, milk, and precipitation for environmental radiation. To date, the results of EPA’s
drinking water, precipitation, and milk sampling and air monitoring have shown detected
radiation below levels that are a public-health concern.
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Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami: Food and Agriculture Implications

Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
Japan’s Food Industry ................................................................................................................. 1
Production ............................................................................................................................ 1
Trade .................................................................................................................................... 1
Policy Priorities .................................................................................................................... 2
Initial Damage Assessment.......................................................................................................... 3
Potential Production Losses .................................................................................................. 3
Potential Radioactive Contamination..................................................................................... 6
Possible Global Implications ....................................................................................................... 7
Effects on U.S. Food Supplies ............................................................................................... 8
Trade Considerations ............................................................................................................ 9
International Activities .................................................................................................... 9
U.S. Activities............................................................................................................... 10

Figures
Figure 1. Map of Affected Areas, Japan....................................................................................... 4

Tables
Table 1. Japan’s Agricultural Imports, Exports, and Net Trade, 2010............................................ 2
Table 2. Agricultural and Fisheries Output, and Shares in Selected Prefectures ............................ 5

Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 12

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Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami: Food and Agriculture Implications

Introduction
The widespread devastation from the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami affected many
agricultural and fishery areas in Japan. In addition, detected radioactive contamination of food
produced near the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant has raised fears about the safety of
Japan’s food production systems and its future food exports. Many countries increased their
surveillance of food products from Japan, and the Japanese government has taken steps to
monitor and restrict, if necessary, the distribution of contaminated foods. In the United States, the
two primary agencies that regulate U.S. food imports—the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—have taken steps to address these concerns.
Other U.S. agencies are also working to address this situation, as well as concerns about whether
radiation leaks from Japan might possibly affect food production in the United States or U.S.
territories in the Pacific.1 Various international organizations, including those within the United
Nations, are closely monitoring global concerns about the safety of foods produced in Japan.
Japan’s Food Industry
Production
Japan’s agricultural and fisheries industries account for a small share (less than 2%) of its total
yearly GDP, but are an important part of the country’s overall economy. Agricultural output,
measured at the farm level, totals about $70 billion annually.2 The value of Japan’s fisheries
accounts for another $14 billion.3 Principal food commodities produced in Japan include fish and
seafood, rice, vegetables, fruits and nuts, and dairy and poultry products.4
Despite its size, Japan has roughly the same number of commercial farms as the United States—
estimated at about 2 million. These farms are spread across an estimated 11.4 million acres of
cultivated farmland (a fraction of that in the United States, estimated at more than 400 million
acres).5 Japan’s marine fisheries industry has about 115,200 business enterprises and another
6,500 “inland water” (aquaculture) operations.6
Trade
Japan is a net food importer (Table 1). Imports of agricultural and fisheries products totaled $59.3
billion in 2010.7 Nearly half of the value of Japan’s food imports consisted of fish and meat

1 For more information, see CRS Report R41702, Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami: Economic Effects and
Implications for the United States
.
2 Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), 84th Statistical Yearbook (2008-2009),
http://www.maff.go.jp/%20e/tokei/kikaku/nenji_e/index.html; MAFF, “Summary of Agricultural Production,”
http://www.maff.go.jp/e/tokei/kikaku/nenji_e/pdf/n0030e.pdf. Converted from yen to dollars (2007). By comparison,
the farm value of U.S. agricultural products sold is about $300 billion (Source: USDA, Census of Agriculture, 2007).
3 Ibid. MAFF, “Summary of Fishery Production,” http://www.maff.go.jp/e/tokei/kikaku/nenji_e/pdf/n0031e.pdf.
4 FAOSTAT Production, http://faostat.fao.org/site/339/default.aspx.
5 MAFF, “Summary of Agricultural Production,” http://www.maff.go.jp/e/tokei/kikaku/nenji_e/pdf/n0030e.pdf. 2008
data. Converted to acres (1 hectare = 2.47 acres). U.S. cropland is reported at 406.4 million acres (2007).
6 MAFF, “Summary of Fishery Production,” http://www.maff.go.jp/e/tokei/kikaku/nenji_e/pdf/n0031e.pdf. 2008 data.
7 Global Trade Atlas, http://www.gtis.com/gta/. Harmonized System (HS) codes in chapters 01-22. Excludes food
(continued...)
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products. Other imports include grains and bakery goods (23% of total value), and vegetables and
fruits (8%). The United States was the leading supplier, accounting for about one-fourth of food
imports ($14.1 billion in 2010). About half of the value of U.S. food exports to Japan consisted of
cereal grains, including corn ($3 billion in 2010, accounting for 30% of all U.S. corn exports).8
Other U.S. exports were seafood, meat and dairy products (21%), and fruits and nuts (5%).
Table 1. Japan’s Agricultural Imports, Exports, and Net Trade, 2010
Imports Share Exports Share Net
Trade
HS Category
($ million)
(%)
($ million)
(%)
($million)
Fish and seafood
11,695 20%
1,292 28%
(10,404)
Animal and meat products
9,403 16% 142 3%
(9,262)
Prepared meat and fish
5,263 9%
655 14%
(4,608)
Fats and oils
1,309 2%
141 3%
(1,1690)
Dairy, eggs, honey
1,334 2% 47 1%
(1,287)
Fresh fruits, vegetables
4,865 8%
141 3%
(4,724)
Grains, baking products
13,410 23% 711 15%
(12,698)
Sugar and Cocoa
1,826 3%
138 3%
(1,688)
Beverages, water
2,865 5%
368 8%
(2,497)
Prepared foods
3,006 5% 57 1%
(2,949)
Floriculture, spices, misc.
4,350 7%
1,001 21%
(3,348)
Total
59,326
100%
4,693
100%
(54,633)
Source: Compiled by CRS using Global Trade Atlas, http://www.gtis.com/gta/, “Reporting Total Import
Statistics” and “Reporting Countries Export Statistics” (Japan).
Notes: Data are by Harmonized System (HS) code. Imports, actual U.S. dollars. Harmonized System (HS) codes
in chapters 01-22. Excludes other agricultural categories: food waste (HS 23) and tobacco products (HS 24).
Japan’s food exports totaled $4.7 billion in 2010. Leading Japanese food exports included fish
and other animal products (about 40%), processed foods, bakery products, and grains (about
15%), beverages (8%), and other miscellaneous products (Table 1). Food exports to the United
States totaled nearly $700 million in 2010, accounting for about 15% of Japan’s total food
exports. Exports to the United States consisted mostly of fish and animal products, processed
bakery products and grains, and beverages.
Policy Priorities
The agricultural and food sectors are important and strategic aspects of Japan’s government
policies. Japan provides generous support to its agricultural sectors and protects its domestic
producers by imposing high tariffs on most imported foods. The Organisation for Economic Co-

(...continued)
waste (HS 23) and tobacco products (HS 24).
8 CRS, using USITC data, http://www.dataweb.usitc.gov. By U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, includes
corn (HTS 1005). Other grain exports were: sorghum, HTS 1007 ($127 million, 17% of U.S. exports) and barley, HTS
1003 ($2.8 million,7% of U.S. exports in 2010).
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operation and Development (OECD) estimates that Japan provides substantial government
support for its domestic farmers—estimated at more than $46 billion in 2009—ranking Japan
second behind the European Union (EU) in terms of total governmental farm spending among
developed countries.9
Japan’s current agricultural policy plan (Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas Basic Plan)
“addresses wide-ranging policy change by designating food, agriculture and rural areas
governance as a national strategy.”10 One of the plan’s principal goals is to raise Japan’s self-
sufficiency in food production from an estimated 40% in recent years to 50% by FY2020.11 Food
self-sufficiency is reported to be greater in some prefectures. The five coastal prefectures that
were most affected by earthquake and tsunami had a reported high food self-sufficiency ratio:
Aomori (119%); Iwate (104%); Miyagi (80%); Fukushima (85%); and Ibaraki (70%). It is unclear
how the recent devastation to these areas will affect the region’s food self-sufficiency.
Initial Damage Assessment
Most reports acknowledge that Japan’s current production and supply shortages, along with rising
food safety concerns and possible longer-term radiation threats to its food production, could limit
Japan’s food exports while possibly increasing its need for food imports in the future.12 It is still
not clear what effect, if any, Japan’s current food supply and demand situation will have on world
farm commodity markets and food prices.
Potential Production Losses
The widespread devastation from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami affected many
agricultural and fishery areas in Japan. The Japanese government is still assessing the extent of
the overall damages to the country’s agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
Damages to agricultural crops, land, and facilities have been reported in several prefectures,
including Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma,
Saitama, Chiba, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, and Mie, among others (Figure 1).13 Among
fisheries, “catastrophic damages” to fish vessels and harbor facilities have been reported in Iwate,
Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures; other damages to fishing vessels and harbor facilities were
also reported in Hokkaido and Aomori, Ibaraki, Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi, Mie, Wakayama,
Tokushima, Kochi, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa prefectures, and in Tokyo
Metropolitan. Damages to aquaculture facilities were reported in Toyama, Ishikawa, Shizuoka,
and Shimane prefectures.

9 OECD, Agricultural Policies in OECD Countries, at a Glance, 2010, Table 1.3. Based on estimated 2009 Producer
Support Estimate (PSE). Other leading countries: EU ($121 billion), U.S. ($31 billion), Korea ($18 billion). Additional
information is provided in CRS Report R41713, U.S. and EU Agricultural Support: Overview and Comparison.
10 MAFF, FY2009 Annual Report on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas in Japan, March 2010, http://www.maff.go.jp/
e/%20annual_report/2009/pdf/e_all.pdf.
11 Ibid., pp. 10-20. This ratio is based on a supplied calorie basis.
12 See, for example, Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) Group, “Japan Earthquake:
Magnitude of Impact on Food and Agriculture,” March 2011, and Kiplinger Agriculture Letter, March 11 and 25, 2011.
13 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), “The damages caused by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of
Tohoku Earthquake and Actions taken by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,” http://www.maff.go.jp/e/
quake/press_110328-1.html.
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Figure 1. Map of Affected Areas, Japan

Source: Prepared by CRS based on data from the U.S. Department of State, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and GeoCommons.
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Japan’s 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami: Food and Agriculture Implications

USDA has compiled production statistics for crop production in the five coastal prefectures—
Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki (Table 2).14 USDA’s summary, using 2007
production data, shows that these five prefectures account for about 21% of Japan’s total marine
fisheries and aquaculture production by volume, and 17% of all agricultural output by volume.
These areas also account for similar shares of the nation’s rice, soybeans, vegetables, and
livestock production, and also house 40% of Japan’s hog production, about one-tenth of all cattle
and dairy herds, and about 5% of its poultry flocks.
Table 2. Agricultural and Fisheries Output, and Shares in Selected Prefectures
All
Aomori
Iwate
Miyagi
Fukushima
Ibaraki
Total

Japan
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Marine fishery catch (1000 mt.)
4,397
4%
3%
6%
2%
4%
20%
Marine aquaculture (1000
mt.)
1,242 2% 1% 3%
0% NA 7%
Agricultural output (100 billion yen)
83
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Crops output (100 billion yen)
57
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Vegetables (100 million yen)
21
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Rice (1000 mt.)
8,823
7%
7%
9%
10%
10%
42%
Soybeans (1000 mt )
262
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
Livestock (100 billion yen)
25
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dairy cattle (1000 head)
1,533
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
3%
Beef cattle (1000 head)
2,890
1%
3%
2%
2%
1%
9%
Pigs (1000 head)
9,745
9%
10%
5%
5%
14%
43%
Layers (million chickens)
185 0% 0% 0%
0% 0% 1%
Broiler shipments (million chickens) 630 1% 2% 0%
0% 0% 4%
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), “Japan: Current Issues in Japanese Agriculture,” Table 1,
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Japan/currentissues.htm. Data vary and are either 2007 or 2008.
Notes: 1 metric ton (mt) = 2,205 pounds. Assumes 1 dol ar = 118 yen (2007), 103 yen (2008) (nominal).
Another report by the Netherlands-based Rabobank estimates the potential impact on some major
food sectors, covering meat, dairy, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and grains and rice.15 The
report states that the earthquake had no immediate effect on rice supply, given high year-end
stocks; however, it noted possible concerns about soil contamination and its effect on future
planting. The report notes that most of Japan’s grain processing mills and soy-crushing plants are
located outside the damage zone; other reports confirm that many of these facilities may remain
operational.16 However, power shortages may temporarily affect processing operations. About
15% of Japan’s compound feed industry capacity is estimated to have been damaged. The report

14 USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), “Japan: Current Issues in Japanese Agriculture,” Table 1.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Japan/currentissues.htm.
15 Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) Group, “Japan Earthquake: Magnitude of Impact on
Food and Agriculture,” http://www.rabobank.com/content/research/FoodAndAgriResearch/, as reported by Farms.com
Ltd. (“Rabobank: Japan to import more ag products,” April 7, 2011).
16 See, for example, Morton Sosland, “Japan’s flour mills built to resist earthquakes,” Food Business News, March 22,
2011; and the Kiplinger Agriculture Letter, March 25, 2011.
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notes that a significant portion of Japan’s meat, poultry, and dairy production is located in
northern coastal prefectures, and states that power shortages may have damaged supplies that
were in cold storage. The report also notes widespread damage in the fisheries and aquaculture
sectors, including damage to fishing ports and vessels, and to wild seedbeds for key products such
as scallops and oysters.17 Also, seawater contamination is eroding consumer confidence in the
country’s fresh seafood catch. In addition to damage to vegetable farms and orchards in the
coastal prefectures, the report notes growing concerns about radioactive contamination in locally
produced vegetables and fruits.
Despite the current situation in Japan, food imports for consumption or for further processing
have not stopped and many in-country food facilities continue to operate throughout the
country.18
Potential Radioactive Contamination
The Japanese government has been monitoring possible radioactive contamination of plant and
animal products and tap water in some of the coastal prefectures as well as southern prefectures
near the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Testing has been conducted nearly daily since
March 19, 2011, to detect possible radioactive contaminants on a wide range of plant and animal
products, including fish.19 Testing for radioactive contaminants in foods is ongoing and spans
many adjacent prefectures. Among the types of foods tested are spinach, lettuce, leeks, cabbage,
cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, chives, broccoli, turnips, asparagus, eggplant, parsley,
zucchini, celery, cabbage, melons, shitake, wasabi, garland chrysanthemum and other locally
grown produce, rapeseed, raw and pasteurized milk, poultry eggs, pork, sea cucumbers, blue
mackerel, squid, flounder, and sardines.
The Japanese government has taken action to restrict the distribution of potentially contaminated
foods. During March 21-23, 2011, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare made a series
of announcements restricting the distribution and consumption of certain foods, including “non-
head type leafy vegetables and head type leafy vegetables” (such as spinach, komatsuna,
cabbages), and any “flowerhead brassicas” (broccoli, cauliflower) produced in Fukushima and
Ibaraki prefectures,20 and in another notice placed restrictions on spinach and kakina (a leafy
vegetable) harvested in Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma prefectures, and fresh raw milk
produced in Fukushima prefecture. 21 Some of these restrictions were later lifted.22

17 Farms.com Ltd., “Rabobank: Japan to import more ag products,” April 7, 2011.
18 See, for example, Tom Johnston, “U.S. exports to Japan remain strong,” Meatingplace, March 23, 2011; Brian
Salvage, “Smithfield: No declines in pork exports to Japan,” MeatPoultry, March 28, 2011; and Cheryl Anderson,
“U.S. Grain Experts Expect Quick Recovery to Trade,” The Progressive Farmer, March 28, 2011.
19 Reports are posted by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), “Information about 2011 Tohoku-
Pacific Ocean Earthquake,” http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/index.html.
20 MLHW, “Restriction of distribution and/or consumption of foods concerned in Fukushima and Ibaraki Prefectures,”
March 23, 2011, http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000015wun-att/2r98520000015xym.pdf.
21 MLHW, “Handling Monitoring of Radioactive Contaminants for Agricultural and Livestock Products,” March 23,
2011, http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/dl/food-110323.pdf.
22 MLHW, “Cancellation of Instruction to restrict distribution of foods concerned (Fukushima and Gunma
Prefectures),” April 8, 2011, http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/dl/food-110408.pdf; and MLHW,
“Cancellation of Instruction to restrict distribution of foods concerned (Ibaraki Prefecture),” April 10, 2011,
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/dl/food-110410.pdf.
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The ministry also noted that “in Fukushima Prefecture, there is no capability for coastal fishing in
the sea area of the prefecture ... due to damage of the coast by the earthquake.” Japan’s Fisheries
Agency stated that “fishery activities will not be resumed for a while in the sea area of Fukushima
prefecture.”23 Again, during April 4-5, the ministry made additional announcements regarding
possible contaminated fish products,24 and also an announcement to restrict spinach and leafy
greens from Chiba prefecture.25 News reports indicate that fisheries in Ibaraki prefecture have
ceased operations after contaminated fish were detected south of Fukushima, where radioactive
water from a stricken nuclear plant contaminated the sea.26
The situation is ongoing, and updates on the safety of Japan’s agricultural and fishery products
are posted on a regular basis. For updated information, see the ministry’s website at
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/index.html. This website also posts ongoing
announcements and updates on radiation concerns regarding Japan’s tap water supplies, primarily
in the Fukushima and Chiba prefectures.
Various news reports have noted the potential for radioactive contamination to affect several
Japanese food production markets, including those for its fish and seafood, as well as global sushi
markets; and Japan’s milk and dairy foods; produce; and beer, spirits, and bottled water.
Possible Global Implications
Reports about possible radioactive contamination of food produced near the disabled Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Plant have raised fears about the safety of Japan’s food production, as well as
concerns that radiation might reach the United States or U.S. territories in the Pacific. Many
countries, including the United States, have instituted controls or banned Japanese food products
from entering their countries.
As previously noted, Japan has been an important trading partner with the United States,
particularly for U.S. exports. In 2010, the value of U.S. food exports to Japan totaled $14.1
billion, making Japan our fourth-largest agricultural export market.27
However, Japan accounts for a relatively small portion of the total U.S. market. The value of
Japanese food exports to the United States totaled $0.7 billion, less than 1% of the value of U.S.
food imports.28 The majority of imports (75% of the value in 2010) consisted of fish and Japanese
prepared foods. Fresh seafood and also prepared fish and meat products accounted for about one-

23 Japan’s Fisheries Agency, “Questions and answers on fishery products,” http://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/e/q_a/index.html.
Also see http://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/e/inspection/index.html for other testing and inspection reports.
24 MLHW, “Handling of provisional regulation values for radioactive iodine in fishery products,” April 5, 2011,
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/2011eq/dl/food-110405.pdf.
25 MLHW, “Restriction of distribution in Chiba Prefecture,” April 4, 2011, http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/
2011eq/dl/food-110404.pdf.
26 Aya Takada, “Fishing Halted in Japan’s Ibaraki After Radioactive Water Contaminates Sea,” Bloomberg news
online, April 6, 2011.
27 Compiled by CRS, using data from the Global Trade Atlas, http://www.gtis.com/gta/. Harmonized System (HS)
codes in chapters 01-22. Excludes food waste (HS 23) and tobacco products (HS 24).
28 Compiled by CRS using data from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), http://dataweb.usitc.gov. U.S.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes in chapters 01-22.
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third of total imports from Japan.29 These imports account for less than 2% of the seafood
consumed in the United States.30 Other leading imported products are prepared grain-based foods,
including baked goods and pastas (12%),31 and beverages, including rice wine and sake (7%).32
Another leading import category is Japanese food preparations “not elsewhere specified” in the
U.S. import codes, accounting for almost 20% of imports.33
Effects on U.S. Food Supplies
To date, based on current available data, agencies in the United States claim that the situation in
Japan does not pose a risk to U.S. food supplies. Similarly, international health organizations
claim there is no evidence that radiation in Japan has contaminated food produced in any other
country.34
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) further states that, based on current testing
information, it does “not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the West Coast, Hawaii,
Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific.” Also, the NRC “does not expect that residents of the
United States or its territories are at any risk of exposure to harmful levels of radiation resulting
from the events in Japan.”35 In addition to the NRC, other U.S. agencies are monitoring and
assessing radiation released from the Japanese plants, including the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
EPA is continuously monitoring the nation’s air in all states and most territories, and is also
regularly monitoring drinking water, milk, and precipitation at these sites for environmental
radiation using its nationwide radiation monitoring system, RadNet.36 EPA’s daily sampling data
are posted at its website: http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/data-updates.html. To date, EPA’s
sampling of drinking water, precipitation, and milk, and its air monitoring, have consistently
detected only “low levels of radioactive material below levels of public-health concern.”37 On
March 30, 2011, EPA and FDA issued a joint statement:

29 HTS 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates) and HTS 16 (edible preparations of meat,
fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates).
30 Joint statement, “FDA, USDA, NOAA Statements on Food Safety,” http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/
PublicHealthFocus/ucm248257.htm.
31 HTS 19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; bakers’ wares).
32 HTS 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar).
33 HTS 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations), mostly HTS 2106909998 (food preparations not elsewhere specified or
included, not canned or frozen).
34 FDA, “Radiation Safety,” http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm#food; and
FAO/WHO consolidated statement, “Nuclear Emergency in Japan and Food Safety Concerns,” http://www.fao.org/
crisis/japan/69718/en/.
35 NRC, “Frequently Asked Questions About the Japan Nuclear Crisis,” http://www.nrc.gov/japan/faq-need-to-
know.pdf.
36 EPA, “Japanese Nuclear Emergency: Radiation Monitoring,” http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/. See map on national
monitoring sites. Also see EPA’s “Frequently Asked Questions.”
37 Results for April 7, 2011. EPA, “Daily Data Summary,” http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/data-updates.html. Also see
EPA, “EPA Monitoring Continues to Confirm That No Radiation Levels of Concern Have Reached the United States,”
March 28, 2011; and Joint EPA/DOE statement, “Radiation Monitors Confirm That No Radiation Levels of Concern
Have Reached the United States,” March 18, 2011. Also see CRS Report R41728, The Japanese Nuclear Incident:
Technical Aspects
(specifically, section titled “Could Harmful Levels of Fallout Reach the United States?”).
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Results from a screening sample taken March 25 from Spokane, WA detected 0.8 pCi/L of
iodine-131, which is more than 5,000 times lower than the Derived Intervention Level set by
FDA. These types of findings are to be expected in the coming days and are far below levels of
public health concern, including for infants and children. Iodine-131 has a very short half-life of
approximately eight days, and the level detected in milk and milk products is therefore expected
to drop relatively quickly.38
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have posted information to address
consumer concerns about iodine-131 detected in milk and in surface water supplies.39
Reports by some West Coast states, including California and Washington, also downplay potential
risks based on ongoing radiologic monitoring in these states. The California Department of Public
Health reports that “all data from state and federal sources show that harmful radiation won’t
reach California.”40 These findings underlie claims by industry representatives of the Western
Growers and Produce Marketing Association that there is no threat to California’s produce
industry.41 Washington State Department of Health officials also claim they “aren’t seeing
significant levels of radioactivity in our state, and there’s no health risk.”42
Trade Considerations
International Activities
Following the initial reports about possible radioactive contamination of foods, many countries
increased their surveillance of food imports from Japan. In addition to the United States, others
with heightened import surveillance measures include the European Union, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand, and India, as well as most Asian nations, such as China and Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, among others. Import
restrictions vary by country but broadly cover milk and milk products, vegetables and fruit, and
seafood and meat from those prefectures with a perceived risk of contamination, specifically
Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma.
Several international organizations are monitoring concerns about the safety of food produced in
Japan. These include the various organizations of the United Nations, including the World Health
Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Joint FAO/WHO Codex
Alimentarius Commission, the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), and
also the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).43 These organizations help oversee the

38 Joint FDA/EPA statement, “Update on Ongoing Monitoring,” March 30, 2011, http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/
Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm249146.htm.
39 CDC, “Frequently Asked Questions About Iodine-131 Found in Milk,” http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/isotopes/
iodine131andmilk_faq.asp; and “Frequently Asked Questions About Iodine-131 Found in Surface Water,”
http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/isotopes/iodine131surfacewater.asp
40 CDPH, “FAQs About Radiation,” http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pages/radiationfaqs2011.aspx.
41 Dan Flynn, “CA says no threat of radiation in leafy greens,” Food Safety News, March 25, 2011.
42 Washington State Department of Health, “Frequently Asked Questions: How the nuclear reactor event affects
Washington, http://www.doh.wa.gov/topics/japan-faq.htm. Also see press release by Governor Gregoire, “Gov.
Gregoire’s statement on ongoing radiological monitoring,” March 30, 2011, http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-
view.asp?pressRelease=1682&newsType=1.
43 See, for example: WHO, “FAQs: Japan nuclear concerns,” http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index7.html;
FAO, “United Nations system response,” http://www.fao.org/crisis/japan/en/; FAO/WHO statement, “Nuclear
(continued...)
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rules for radioactivity in foods for international trade, as agreed to within the Codex “Guideline
Levels” (GLs) for radionuclide levels in internationally traded food following a nuclear or
radiological emergency.44 Other joint UN activities include “international guidance related to
nuclear preparedness and response to nuclear or radiological events, including application of
appropriate agricultural countermeasures.”45
These international organizations acknowledge that recent reports of radioactivity in food in
Japan suggest that “some foods produced in Japan are likely to be contaminated by radioactive
material at levels unsuitable for human consumption.”46 The primary contaminant detected in
some food samples include radioactive iodine; however, radioactive cesium has also been
detected in some foods.47 Radioactive iodine is relatively short-lived with a half-life of about one
week and decays naturally within a few weeks. However, if ingested and accumulated in the
body, radioactive iodine has been associated with certain types of cancers.48 Radioactive cesium
is longer-lived and can remain in the environment for a long time; also, because radioactive
cesium can be relatively quickly transferred from feed to milk, its uptake into food production can
pose longer-terms risks and public health effects.49
U.S. Activities
In the United States, food imports are regulated by FDA, which monitors the safety of most types
of food imports, and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which regulates the
safety of meat and poultry imports.50 In addition, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) is responsible for protecting plant and animal resources from domestic and
foreign pests and diseases, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for
coordinating agencies’ food security activities, including border inspections by the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP).
Following reports about radioactive contamination of milk and leafy greens, FDA issued an
“Import Alert” for certain milk products and fresh vegetables produced or manufactured from the

(...continued)
Emergency in Japan and Food Safety Concerns,” http://www.fao.org/crisis/japan/69718/en/;” and IAEA, “Fukushima
Nuclear Accident Update Log,” http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html.
44 GLs are published by Codex. See “Codex General Standard For Contaminants And Toxins In Food And Feed,”
Codex Stan. 193-1995, 1995, http://www.codexalimentarius.net/download/standards/17/CXS_193e.pdf.
45 FAO, “United Nations system response,” http://www.fao.org/crisis/japan/en/; and Joint FAO/IAEA statement,
“Emergency Preparedness & Response,” http://www-naweb.iaea.org/nafa/emergency/index.html.
46 Joint WHO/FAO/IAEA statement, “Questions & Answers on the Nuclear Emergency in Japan and Food Safety
Concerns,” http://www-naweb.iaea.org/nafa/faqs-food-safety.html.
47 Joint FAO/WHO statement, “Nuclear Emergency in Japan and Food Safety Concerns,” http://www.fao.org/crisis/
japan/69718/en/.
48 INFOSAN, “Information on Nuclear accidents and radioactive contamination of foods,” March 2001,
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/INFOSAN_note_Radionuclides_and_food_300311.pdf. Also see NRC,
“Fact Sheet on Biological Effects of Radiation,” http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/bio-effects-
radiation.html; and CRS Report R41728, The Japanese Nuclear Incident: Technical Aspects (specifically, section titled
“Health Effects of Ionizing Radiation”).
49 Ibid.
50 CRS Report CRS Report RL34198, U.S. Food and Agricultural Imports: Safeguards and Selected Issues; and CRS
Report RS22600, The Federal Food Safety System: A Primer.
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Japanese prefectures of Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Chiba, and Saitama.51 As of April
12, 2011, the import alert covered “spinach and kakina (a local Japanese vegetable) from the
affected prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, and Tochigi in Japan; ... head type leafy
vegetables (i.e. spinach, lettuce, celery, cress, endive, escarole, chard, and collards) from the
Fukushima prefecture; and ... non-head type leafy vegetables (i.e. turnip), flower head brassicas
(i.e. broccoli and cauliflower) from the Fukushima prefecture; and ... milk from the Fukushima
and Ibaraki prefectures.”52
To date, FDA’s import alert does not cover Japanese fish and seafood. However, FDA has stated
that “Other food products from this area, including seafood, although not subject to the import
alert, will be diverted for testing by FDA before they can enter the food supply. FDA will also be
monitoring and testing food products, including seafood, from other areas of Japan as
appropriate.”53 Given historically low import inspection rates of food by FDA, some groups want
FDA to issue an import alert for all food imported from Japan, including seafood.54 As noted by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about 2% of the seafood
consumed in the United States is imported from Japan.55
Regarding meat and poultry products, USDA points out that because of USDA’s import
equivalency requirements and other trade-related concerns, Japan has not exported any beef
products to the U.S. since early 2010, and Japan is not currently eligible to export any poultry
products or processed egg products to the United States. 56
Some in Congress remain concerned that contaminated foods might enter the U.S. through its
food imports.57 Both FDA and USDA have taken steps to address the current situation in Japan.
FDA has stated: “FDA’s screening at U.S. borders will remain vigilant and will be augmented
with radiation screening of shipments” and its import tracking system “has been programmed to
automatically flag all shipments of FDA-regulated products from Japan.”58 USDA has stated that
“USDA and its federal partners through the Food Emergency Response Network are preparing to
begin sampling, if necessary.” 59 Prior notification to FDA of food imports into the United States
is required under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of
2002 (P.L. 107-188; 42 U.S.C. 300i), which allows the agency to readily identify and track food
shipments from Japan.

51 FDA, “Detention Without Physical Examination of Products from Japan Due to Radionuclide Contamination,”
Import Alert 99-33, http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_621.html.
52 Ibid. (as of April 12, 2011). All U.S. alerts for Japan are at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/country_JP.html.
53 FDA, “Radiation Safety,” http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm.
54 See, for example, “FDA Should Issue Import Alert for All Japanese Food Imports; Food and Water Protections Must
Remain Priority in Washington,” Statement from Wenonah Hauter, Food & Water Watch, March 23, 2011.
55 Joint FDA/USDA/NOAA statement, “FDA, USDA, NOAA Statements on Food Safety,” March 23, 2011,
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm248257.htm.
56 Ibid.
57 Press release by Representative Rosa L. DeLauro, “DeLauro Calls for FDA Testing of Imported Japanese Products,”
March 22, 2011, http://delauro.house.gov/release.cfm?id=3075; also see “DeLauro Wants All Japanese Food Bound for
the U.S. Tested,” CQ Health Beat, March 23, 2001.
58 FDA, “Radiation Safety,” http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm.
59 USDA, “USDA’s Radiation Safety Questions and Answers,” http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/%20usdahome?
contentidonly=true&%20contented=radiation_safety_qa.html.
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Enhanced import security measures by FDA and USDA, in conjunction with existing CBP border
inspections, are intended to address concerns about possible contaminated food imports from
Japan. As noted by USDA, CBP is “responsible for monitoring for the presence of radiological
materials in cargo shipments coming into the United States at all U.S. ports of entry. This
monitoring is a regular part of inspection procedures carried out at every port of entry
nationwide;” FDA also notes that CBP officers “routinely use radiation detection equipment to
screen food imports, cargo, and travelers.”60
Finally, existing U.S. trade laws, such as general requirements under the Tariff Act of 1930 (19
U.S.C. 1304), require all imported articles to be marked with the English name of the country of
origin.61 Other labeling requirements also apply under other laws that govern both FDA and
USDA. For example, FDA requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 301 et seq.) require that a food label must contain specified information. However, as
noted by FDA: “The law does not specifically require that the country of origin statement be
placed on the PDP [the principal display panel, PDP, or the label panel], but requires that it be
conspicuous.”62 Certain labeling requirements for meat and poultry products are also required
within laws administered by FSIS, including the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.). Only plants in countries
certified by USDA to have inspection systems equivalent to those in this country are eligible to
export products to the United States. Regulations issued under these laws have required that
country of origin appear in English on immediate containers of all meat and poultry products
entering the United States.63 Other USDA-administered programs also provide for additional
country-of-origin requirements for certain types of foods.64

Author Contact Information

Renée Johnson

Specialist in Agricultural Policy
rjohnson@crs.loc.gov, 7-9588



60 USDA, “USDA’s Radiation Safety Questions and Answers,” March 22, 2011; and FDA, “Radiation Safety,”
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm#food.
61 Customs and Border Protection’s Guidance is at http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/
CompliancePolicyGuidanceManual/ucm074567.htm. See regulations at 19 CFR 134.
62 21 CFR 101. See FDA, “Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide,” October 2009, http://www.fda.gov/Food/
GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/FoodLabelingGuide/
ucm064872.htm.
63 Regulations are at 9 C.F.R. 327.14 and 9 C.F.R. 381.205.
64 Includes (1) Country of Origin Labeling (COOL); see CRS Report RS22955, Country-of-Origin Labeling for Foods;
and (2) Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) of 1930 and the Produce Agency Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. §
499a et seq., and §1622, respectively); see CRS Report RL32746, Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Specialty Crops: A
Primer on Government Programs
.
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