Food items from Japan to be tested for radiation

NEW DELHI: Food items imported into India from Japan will be tested for radiation before entering the country in the wake of fears that radioactive materials from Japan's damaged nuclear power plant may have contaminated food products.

"The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India at Indian ports, airports have been asked to get food originating from Japan after March 11 to be tested for radiation," the health ministry said on Tuesday.

Customs officials will carry out a similar test at all points where food items are imported, it said. The radioactive material can get washed down by rain into the sea and onto soil, and eventually contaminate crops, marine life, drinking water and cow's milk. A massive earthquake hit Japan on Friday followed by a tsunami, leaving thousands dead.