The Japanese fishing industry suffered a large blow following the 2011 earthquake and subsequent nuclear crisis. Since the tragedy, officials and regulators across the globe have increased surveillance of food imported from Japan, on the lookout for any radioactivity or contamination.
On June 25, more than a year after the quake, Japanese officials approved the first Fukushima seafood for distribution. The catch? Only two offerings are available.
According to The News-Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., octopus and a sea snail called whelk are the lone menu options. The two species were chosen based on extensive testing. The Fukushima Prefectural fishing cooperative's results showed "no detectable amounts" of radioactivity in either creature, qualifying them as safe to sell.
Many Fukushima fish, including sea bass and flounder, cannot be sold yet due to unsafe levels of radioactivity and contamination. However, locals anticipate a regional favorite, the crab, to be next to pass tests and find its way to consumer kitchens.