FTU calls for wider ban over any Fukushima release
The Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) on Friday called on the Hong Kong government to ban aquatic products from anywhere in Japan if Tokyo goes ahead with plans to release wastewater from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. The SAR authorities previously said they would immediately outlaw imports of aquatic products from parts of the country if wastewater is discharged. But the FTU said a ban should apply to the whole of Japan. "We suggest an outright ban on processed food as well to protect the health of the local residents," FTU lawmaker Joephy Chan said. Chan also called on the Japanese government to listen to the concerns of the international community. “The disposal of the wastewater is not just a private domestic matter, it concerns the global marine environment. So we suggest the Japanese government should listen to this international concern.”  The FTU said there is also a need for more frequent inspections of agricultural products imported from Japan, such as eggs. The group did not provide specific details as to how these products could be harmful.