Post-Fukushima evaluation of radioactivity and lifetime cancer risk in Japanese honey

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in honey from health and nutritional perspectives, and honey samples are regularly collected from the environment and tested for food safety. In Japan, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011 raised food safety awareness further. In this study, radioactivity analysis was conducted on honey samples collected in Japan. Honey collected in Japan contains natural and artificial radionuclides. 137 Cs was primarily detected in the Fukushima Prefecture, confirming that it had migrated into the environment. However, the detected levels ( detection limit (0.01)–5.41 ± 0.25 Bq kg −1 ) were significantly below the Japanese standard limits for radioactive substances in foods (100 Bq kg −1 ). Honey contains information that reflects the collection area, making it a useful medium for assessing environmental conditions across relatively large areas using radioactivity analysis. The total annual effective dose ranged from 0.040 to 1.1 µSv y −1 . Excess lifetime cancer risk and lifetime cancer risk from honey consumption were assessed and found to be within acceptable limits, confirming the safety of honey. • Japanese honey contains both natural and artificial radionuclides. • 137 Cs in honey was below Japanese standard limits for radioactive substances in foods. • The calculated value of cancer risk was below the regulation value. • Honey samples collected across Japan were safe and of good quality.