BURNABY, April 6, 2011 –Concerns about the safety of milk were raised by some consumers after trace amounts of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan were recorded in milk in Spokane, Washington. While negligible levels of radioactive material have been detected on Canada's west coast, these quantities are very small and within normal ranges. They do not pose any health risk to Canadians, the food we eat, or the plants and animals in Canada.
As the BC Centre for Disease Control states: “British Columbians should not be concerned about radiation in milk or in any other British Columbian food products. The levels of radio-iodine that have been measured in Washington State are extremely low. While such traces do show that we need to monitor BC-produced foods for traces of dilute radioactivity coming from Japan, the measurements are far from internationally accepted levels of concern.”
In line with ongoing Government of Canada radiation surveillance and monitoring activities across Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting sampling and testing of domestic milk from British Columbia. Testing of drinking water, in collaboration with federal and provincial government partners, is also under consideration. Health Canada will also continue its monitoring and surveillance at stations across the country in strategic locations and major population centres.
Canadian consumer safety is the highest priority for dairy farmers and dairy food companies. The BC dairy industry continues to work closely with federal and provincial government agencies to ensure a safe milk supply. In the unlikely event action is needed, we can assure you that our industry will work diligently to ensure consumer safety is not compromised.
For up to date information, please check the BC Centre for Disease Control website: www.bccdc.ca
Comments
Leave a Comment