In a move to minimize the risk of radioactive contamination in Taiwan, the Atomic Energy Council announced on Tuesday that it has joined forces with the Coast Guards to conduct radiation monitoring offshore, reaching marine areas as far as 600 kilometers northeast to the island. And no abnormal levels of radiation had been detected.

All imported Japanese food products manufactured after March 12th, including instant noodles and cookies, are now subject to radiation testing.

Customs and Department of Health workers began conducting inspections on Tuesday, and any products found to contain radiation are being turned over to the Atomic Energy Council.

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection has ordered radiation testing on fresh and packaged Japanese foods as well as 912 other product categories, including toys and 3C products.

Items found to be emitting radiation levels in excess of 0.2 mSv/hr are destroyed or returned.

According to post office personnel, packages and letters from Japan are not being tested at present time because there are no radiation concerns, and mail services have been suspended in northeast Japan.

The Atomic Energy Council and Coast Guard Administration, meanwhile, are sending patrol boats out into the waters northeast of Keelung to conduct radiation tests on fishing boats.

The Council of Agriculture is also using GPS to monitor fishing boats and inspecting boats when they return to harbor.

As with imports, fish found to be emitting excessive levels of radiation are immediately destroyed.

The AEC is providing free radiation testing for all Japanese products.