Giant peaches from largest nuclear catastrophe web site since Chernobyl offered at Harrods
Giant luxury peaches from the site of a nuclear disaster are being sold in Britain for the first time.
The fruit, grown in Japan’s Fukushima region which in 2011 suffered the world’s worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, is on sale in high-end store Harrods.
But shoppers aren’t so sure about the Sakura peaches, which cost £80 for a box of three and are known for being lavishly sweet. One shopper called Chris, from New Zealand, said: “It’s like trying to sell grapes from Chernobyl.
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“There is no way I would eat those. It is definitely not for me.”
(Image: Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Others said it’s “unlikely” radiation hangs around “that long”, although they admitted being put off by the high price. Another shopper, named Michael, 36, said: “I wouldn’t touch them. Why would I take that risk?”
The region is the second-largest producer of peaches in Japan, according to the country’s agriculture ministry.
They have gone on sale as part of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings’ efforts to dispel negative speculation about the safety of Fukushima food products.
The disaster unfolded after an earthquake sent the nearby Fukushima nuclear power into meltdown. More than 15,000 residents across the region were evacuated following the accident.
The UK imposed restrictions on food imports from the region following the meltdown, which were later lifted in 2022.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Concerns over whether produce from the region is safe to consume has hampered Japanese attempts at exports elsewhere around the world.
Eloise Westacott, of Harrods, said: “Fukushima is the second largest producer of peaches in Japan and renowned for their unparalleled sweetness and juiciness.
“There are no restrictions for the UK on the import of food produced in Fukushima and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure our high standards of food safety are met.”
The box has Fukushima on and staff also provide this information, she added.
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