Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says that all foods imported from Japan are safe for consumption. Wu addressed lawmakers on Thursday.
Taiwan bans the importation of food products produced in areas of Japan affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The ban has been a persistent source of trade friction with Japan. The question of whether to lift the ban is back in the spotlight since Taiwanese voters rejected a referendum on another food safety issue involving pork on Saturday.
Wu told lawmakers that all food imports must meet international standards, and that Taiwan only accepts imports that pass inspection with no contaminants. He said that Japanese imports have to pass strict clearance standards in both Japan and Taiwan, and so Taiwan should respect international trade guidelines and keep its markets open to these goods.