Varying Levels of radiation from the crippled Japanese nuclear power plant have been detected in vegetables planted on the Chinese mainland, the Ministry of Health has said.
Sample inspections have found varying levels of radioactive iodine in vegiatables planted in Beijing, Tianjin and Henan province-about 1-3 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg), the ministry said in a statement.
It is the first report of Chinese grown produce being contaminated with radiation since Beijing ordered tests on food and water last month in the wake of the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
According to health experts, radioactive iodine can accumulate in humans once ingested in high concentrations and increases the risk of thyroid cancer.
However, Yang Guoshan, a researcher of radiation medical science at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, said that people should be aware of eating products that contain varying levels of Iodine-131.
