In response to Japan's action of discharging treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, China's largest salt producer issued a warning, urging people not to panic-buy salt products. As the world's largest producer of table salt, China's state-owned China National Salt Industry Group released a statement addressing reports of increased salt demand in some regions of China.
Reports have indicated that the salt shelves in some supermarkets have been quickly emptied, and online sales platforms have also sold out of salt stock, including in Beijing and Shanghai.
China has expressed strong opposition to Japan's actions, believing that the Japanese government has not confirmed the safety of the discharged wastewater, and has banned the import of any aquatic products from Japan.
In a statement on the matter, the China National Salt Industry Group said it is working overtime to ensure production, distribution, and market supply. The statement also urged consumers to buy rationally, avoiding blind panic.
To alleviate concerns, the China National Salt Industry Group emphasized that sea salt accounts for only 10% of the overall salt consumption, with the rest including salt sourced from good sources and lakes, unaffected by pollution. The Group assured that there is sufficient supply, and any shortage of stock would be temporary.
Japan criticized China for making "scientifically unfounded claims" and insisted that the wastewater discharge is safe. The country pointed out that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also concluded that its impact on human health and the environment is "negligible".
