Japan detects abnormal levels of radiation in milk and spinach

In a speech addressing the nation, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said this morning  the contaminated milk was found in Fukushima prefecture, where the quake-damaged atomic power station is located. Edano added  the tainted spinach was discovered in neighbouring Ibaraki prefecture.

"Radiation exceeding the limit under Japanese law was detected," he said.

Edano said the health ministry has ordered authorities in both prefectures to investigate where the products came from, how they were distributed and, depending on their findings, suspend sales.

He urged consumers to remain calm, noting that even if a consumer were to drink the contaminated milk for a year, the radiation level would be the equivalent of one CT scan.

This was the government's first report of food being contaminated by radiation since the March 11 quake and tsunami unleashed the nuclear crisis.