Screening test for radioactivity of self-consumption products in Fukushima after the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP accident in Japan

A food inspection service system for home grown products or wild plants collected by individual consumers for self-consumption was implemented in Fukushima in Nov. 2012. About 500 NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometers were distributed to 300 or more temporary testing laboratories which were set up in public halls or meeting places of the municipalities. The screening method for radiocaesium was adapted to the present inspection service system. The performance of the equipment under field conditions was evaluated using sampled data obtained by temporary testing laboratories. From the present results of evaluation the confidence of these inspections was confirmed. Totally about 550,000 food samples have been tested with a pass rate of 90% or more. •Inspection service for radioactivity of self-consumption products was implemented.•Screening method using NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer was adapted.•QC data obtained from routine measurement using contaminated brown rice was evaluated.•The results of testing for samples submitted by every laboratory were analyzed.•Service was very effective to make available information to inhabitants about radioactivity.