Nuclear safety authorities have warned consumers not to eat produce or dairy from the south of Belgium after an iodine leak from a nuclear research institute may have contaminated nearby horticulture.
 
Last week, a leak of radioactive iodine gas from the Institut des Radioelements laboratory in Fleurus sparked the alert.

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Describing the leak as “serious”, the Belgian nuclear control agency warned consumers not to eat locally-grown fruit, vegetables or dairy products.


“This measure was taken as a precaution. We are still measuring samples from the environment, but our tests have found that food produced in a three-kilometre radius is safe to consume. While the results are OK they have still decided to tell people not to eat local foods,” a spokesperson for the Institut des Radioelements told just-food.


The Institut des Radioelements laboratory halted production after last week’s leak.


The institute produces radioisotopes for medical imaging and the treatment of cancer.

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