Ban avoids rice food products
would not be affected by a temporary sales ban issued because of
concerns about the safety of foreign rice.
Japan said on Monday that food products made from imported rice would not be affected by a temporary sales ban issued because of concerns about the safety of foreign rice.
The Food Agency halted the sale and distribution of all foreign rice already in Japan on Friday after it found some bags containing U.S. rice had levels of lead that were higher than allowed by regulations.So far, tests have shown no evidence that rice in the affected polypropylene bags has been tainted, the agency said.
Friday's suspension applied to 520,000 tonnes of foreign rice held by the government and about 20,000 tonnes in private distribution channels.The agency planned to examine all imported rice under suspension, which would be lifted once the rice has been cleared, an agency official said.Spurred by Japan's concerns, South Korea said on Monday it would test 15,000 tonnes of U.S. rice imported in bags late in December.
Rice suppliers to Japan include the United States, Italy, Australia, Thailand, India, Vietnam and China.
The Food Agency holds two forms of rice import tenders, ordinary tenders and simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) tenders , in line with world trade agreements made in 1993.
Rice imported under ordinary tenders is mainly used for processed foods and alcohol, while rice imported under SBS tenders is mainly used as table rice.
Until a new farm trade agreement is reached, Japan will maintain minimum rice imports at 767,000 tonnes on an unmilled basis for fiscal 2001/02, unchanged from the previous year.
