The government of Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture hopes to export more flounder to Thailand after the Thai government’s tests showed no radioactive substances in the fish.
Exports of flounder caught off Fukushima resumed on March 1st for the first time since the 2011 nuclear accident. The fish were the first marine products from the prefecture to be sold abroad since the accident.
The flounder was being promoted at Japanese restaurants in Thailand. But the promotion was cancelled on Monday after local consumers voiced concerns about the fish’s safety. Flounder exports have essentially been halted.
Fukushima prefectural officials say they were notified late on Monday that the Thai health ministry detected no radioactive material in the fish.
They plan to call attention to the fish’s safety through online video sites, social media and food tasting events for local consumers.
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)