There are no radiation-polluted Japanese food imports in the Kuwaiti market, and data also shows that the imports from Japan entered Kuwait before the nuclear crisis , said Board Chairman of the union of Kuwaiti foodstuff distributors and importers Abdullah Al-Beijan on Tuesday.
The official said the union also has data showing there is only a small volume of such imports, meant largely for the Japanese community and hotels and restaurants. "The food safety committee (of Kuwait Municipality) did not notify the union of any polluted food item imported from Japan, and did not call for any precautionary measures leading to a request to halt imports." At all times, he stressed, the union treats issues of food safety and consumer health as a top priority.
The union agrees with all measures taken so far, which include guidelines and precautions to detect radiation pollution, and also supports the Customs' recent decision to regulate import of food items and drinking water from Japan, Al-Beijan noted.
The official pointed out that the union maintains constant coordination and contact with all health, customs, and trade authorities.
The Municipality's efforts are also praiseworthy, he remarked, as it takes initiative to coordinate, collect samples, and carry out tests to determine safety of Japanese imports.
There are clear regulations and specifications on radiation levels stated by the World Health Organization, and all states are notified of these and of alerts when needed.
On possibility of hike in food prices after the Japanese nuclear crisis, Al-Beijan said it is unlikely there would be any marked effect on the local market, "in view of the very limited volume of imports involved." Japan, he explained further, is not a major exporter of agricultural products to Kuwait.

Kuwait Times