China Loosens Import Restrictions on Food, Farm Produce from Japan

China's food quality watchdog now says that it has decided to loosen import restrictions on food and farm produce from Japan imposed after the nuclear crisis stemming from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine says the adjustment on import restrictions was made after the completion of a risk assessment on the radiation contamination status of foods and farm products in areas surrounding the crippled Fukushima plant.

The adjustment also lifts the requirement of submitting certificates of safety inspection for radioactive materials for foods, farm produce and fodder imported from Japan.

However, the lift does not include vegetables, dairy products, aquatic products, tea leaves, fruits and plant-made pharmaceuticals.