Calls for an end to ‘salt rush’

The local food safety agency told shoppers to stop panic buying, blaming “rumours” for a rush that left some shops without salt yesterday, as concern rose over damages at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.
After media reports that potassium iodide tablets could be used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation, many residents ran to supermarkets to buy iodised slat, believing it would also stop radiation sickness.
However this information was denied by the Food Safety Coordination Group (GCSA), which called on locals to “remain calm, [by] not believing in rumours”. According to medical experts quoted by media, salt containing iodine would not shield against radiation.
Together with the Economic Bureau and the Consumer Council (CC), GCSA inspected supermarkets and claimed the salt supply to Macau is “stable”. CC pledged to keep an eye on salt prices and urged wholesalers and shopkeepers not to raise the prices.
There is so far no need for iodine products, the Health Bureau (SSM) stressed.
According to the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), the gamma radiation levels in Macau remain low, well below the alert level. The territory is currently a safe area, with no impact from the radiation released in Japan, SMG said.
Nonetheless, yesterday morning Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On convened with several public officials to assess the effects of the radiation crisis. In a statement, the Government acknowledged that the crisis “could last for quite some time”.
Before flying to Nanjing, Chui stressed that a radiation screening equipment was being installed at the Macau International Airport and the SSM would provide screening on a voluntary basis for anyone returning from Japan. In addition, the Tourism Crisis Management Office will operate 24-hour a day, he said.
Finally, the Administration said it would activate the local civil defence mechanism if necessary.