AEA to go ahead with radiation tests on imported food

The Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) yesterday said it would continue the radiation tests on imported milk foods, milk powder and imported fish and canned fish.

The importance of research on food containers arose due to radiation and damages caused in the nuclear power plant such as in Fukhushima in the past few years.

AEA Director Dr. R. Wijewardhana said Technology Minister Champika Ranawaka had instructed the AEA to take necessary action to test imported food items to protect the people from the effects of radiation  
 
According to the requests of the Consumer service authority or the health ministry, the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) are ready to perform tests on samples of imported milk food, the ministry said.

The authority would only release the food containers s from the Customs after it is confirmed that the items are radioactive free.

Ministry of technology, research and atomic energy said it would take all necessary action including tests on imported food items to protect the people including infants from being affected by radiation.  

Previously a delegation from New Zealand had requested the AEA not to conduct radioactive experiments on milk foods. But the Authority had declined the request. (Lahiru Pothmulla)