Japan has suspended cattle shipments from Fukushima Prefecture amid fears of radiation-tainted beef in the country's meat-distribution chain.
A government spokesman says Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato has been told by authorities in Tokyo to "halt shipments of all cattle in Fukushima to meat-packing factories" until the safety of the meat can be confirmed.
The move comes four months after the release of radiation from a nuclear accident in Fukushima caused by an earthquake and tsunami.
Around 650 beef cattle are thought to have been contaminated with radioactive cesium from hay they were fed since late March before being sent to meat-processing facilities across Japan.
Some of the suspect meat is thought to have already been eaten by consumers.
compiled from agency reports
A government spokesman says Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato has been told by authorities in Tokyo to "halt shipments of all cattle in Fukushima to meat-packing factories" until the safety of the meat can be confirmed.
The move comes four months after the release of radiation from a nuclear accident in Fukushima caused by an earthquake and tsunami.
Around 650 beef cattle are thought to have been contaminated with radioactive cesium from hay they were fed since late March before being sent to meat-processing facilities across Japan.
Some of the suspect meat is thought to have already been eaten by consumers.
compiled from agency reports