Japan Offspring Fund (JOF) Monthly Newsletter
Sept. 2004, No.185

* Let's stop nuclear power now The serious accident that occurred at Mihama Nuclear Reactor in August, 2004 caused the death of five workers and injured several others. It was close to turning into a very large accident. Similar deterioration of steam pipes is actually found at old nuclear reactors all over Japan. If radioactivity is discharged, we may all be at risk. To stop using electricity from nuclear plants is the best way to assure safety. Japan Offspring Fund interviewed Professor Atsushi Tsuchida from Nagoya University about the hidden truth behind accidents.

* Residues of antibiotics in Japanese honey Honey from five Japanese producers obtained was tested for residues of antibiotics. We found low levels of mirosamycin in one sample. This residue is a violation of the Japanese Food Sanitation Law . We have published the name of the producer in Issue 185 of our monthly magazine, and subsequently the product were recalled from the market. Most people believe honey produced in Japan is safe, but nevertheless the residue of antibiotics was detected in our test.

* Ise Corp. is exposed lying about the safety of its products Japan Offspring Fund has previously revealed how eggs from Ise Corp. are produced using antibiotics. As they are labelled "Mori", which translates as "forest" in Japanese, JOF has not hesitated to tell consumers the truth about the practices at the company's huge factory farms. Isn't the name "mori" a clear case of mislabelling? As a result, in January 2004, JOF was sued by Ise Corp for defamation. In Issue 185, we continue to question the marketing practices of Ise Corp. and especially its campaign to promote its eggs as "good for the heart". We also reveal that Ise Corp. sells manure fertilizer that contains bacteria that are resistant to clinically important antibiotics. The occurrence of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staph. Aureus) in fertilizer intended for gardening as well as food crops is extremely worrying. The brand name of the fertilizer is "Ise Green".