'More bans on Japanese goods possible, but unlikely'
Environment Minister Tse Chin-wan said on Saturday that there may be a further expansion of the city's ban on aquatic products from parts of Japan, although the likelihood is slim. Speaking on an RTHK programme, Tse said that if radiation levels of food imported from other parts of Japan exceed the standard levels, the authorities may expand the control measures.  Hong Kong on Thursday imposed restrictions on the import of aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures as Tokyo started releasing wastewater from the tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant.  However authorities on the mainland went further, ordering a complete suspension of imports of aquatic products from Japan. "Each place will determine their own way of regulation based on their different legal systems, different laws, and different practices. However, regardless of our approach, our goal is to ensure food safety and public health, which is the same for every [government]," Tse said. Tse added that all Japanese food available on the local market is safe, and Hongkongers can consume in with confidence. Speaking to Commercial Radio, Tse said local restaurants could switch from Japanese suppliers to aquatic or agricultural products produced on the mainland.  The minister said aquatic technology used on the mainland is very advanced, citing the fact that mainland producers had even found a way of making sashimi from freshwater fish that was free of bacteria and parasites.  Tse said according to the direction and speed of simulated ocean currents, water released from Fukushima may reach Hong Kong waters in about 10 months.  He added that due to the long distance traveled and significant dilution, it may not be detected by radiation testing at that time.