Japan: Here, Eat Some Veggies

Japan has become the latest ardent convert of the locavore movement, reports the Washington Post, launching a public relations blitz intent on convincing its citizenry that produce fresh from the nuclear-contaminated Fukushima prefecture is safe, even yummy. The government even opened a restaurant yesterday, making a show of high-ranking politicians devouring Fukushima vegetables. “Only safe produce is being distributed,” says chief Cabinet secretary Yukio Edano. “Please eat it.”

The message isn't as blasé as it might seem, notes the Post: The government is trying to underscore faith in the radiation screening system it has in place, not shove vegetables that glow green onto plates. “When you talk about Fukushima, it’s a vast area,” says a food safety inspector. “Some areas farther inland—their food is fine. But some places won’t even put it on the shelves. Even food that has cleared the tests is being left untouched.” (More radiation stories.)