As several food items imported from Japan have been found to be contaminated by radiation, the New Taipei City government now demands all local shopping centers and supermarkets to place products from Japan in separate sections so as to give the customers a clear idea about the their source.

An import package from Japan containing Elephant Trunk clams has been found to contain trace amounts of radiation contamination, with 9 becquerels of iodine-131 per kilogram.

Although much lower than the 300 becquerel per kilogram standard, the Atomic Engery Council reminds us that the half-life period of iodine-131 is 8 days.

The value decay of radiation is extremely quick and should not be overlooked.

Because Japanese fresh produce continue to show radiation contamination, Xinbei City has requested for hypermarkets and supermarkets to within ten days, set up a section for Japanese fresh imports as a reference for consumers.

The Xinbei City Consumer Protection Commission will periodically conduct random inspections on market vendors.

Vendors who don't comply with the new policy will face a fine of 60 thousand to 1.5 million NT dollars.

In contrast to strict regulation by Xinbei City, the Taipei City government has yet to enforce any such regulations on market vendors in Taipei City.

The Taipei City government explains that the Atomic Energy Council and Department of Health conduct strict customs control on all imports from Japan and thus will not enforce such measures.

However, vendors are free to set up special sections for Japanese imports if they so wish.