Large-scale sampling and radioactivity analysis of agricultural soil and food during nuclear emergencies in Japan: Variations over time in foodstuffs inspection and sampling

Abstract

The measurement of radioactivity in food and agricultural ecosystems is an essential task for keeping the population safe after a nuclear emergency. Prior to the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011, the probability of such an accident, combining complex effects of natural and technical factors, was not reflected in detail in national emergency preparedness guidelines. The lack of such guidelines resulted in a limited efficiency response to the Fukushima accident in agriculture. This outcome showed a need for the preparation of such guidelines as a part of emergency preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergences. This paper provides information and generic, non-country-specific guidance on approaches to sampling food. The paper is intended for scientists, policy makers and decision makers involved in nuclear emergency preparedness and responses, particularly on large scales and at different stages of nuclear emergency based on lessons learned from the FDNPP accident.