Univ of Tokyo admits using banned chemical in rice sold to consumers

Thursday 02nd October, 02:31 PM JST

TOKYO —

The University of Tokyo announced Thursday a banned agrochemical was used in growing rice at its farm in a Tokyo suburb for three years through 1999, and around 3.6 tons of rice harvested was sold to faculty members and consumers. No health damage has been reported from the use of phenylmercury acetate, according to the university. The substance has been banned from use in agriculture since 1973.

The university said an employee at the farm used a solution of tablets chiefly comprising phenylmercury acetate once every year as disinfectant. Rice seed was soaked in the solution for about five to six hours, it said. The employee told the university that he used the chemical because diseases were spreading and he was aware that it was a banned substance. The incident was exposed by a whistle blower on Sept 18, the university said.

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Latest 15 of 24 Total Comments Show All

memyselfI at 03:49 PM JST - 2nd October

around 3.6 tons of rice harvested was sold to faculty members and consumers. No health damage has been reported. That's great coming from University Of Japan. Who is the genius professor in charge of this project ? It's isn't safe to eat anything anymore. Does anybody have a list of what is safe to eat in Japan ? Pretty soon it will be tofu next.
memyselfI at 03:54 PM JST - 2nd October

WHAT is safe to eat in Japan ? Please I have to buy groceries soon !!! I am afraid to eat anything. Maybe bread is safe to eat ?
soldave at 04:08 PM JST - 2nd October

Spidey - place your trust in Weetabix!
smithinjapan at 04:22 PM JST - 2nd October

Quick!!! Find something toxic made in China to sweep this story under the rug!!
GG2141 at 04:46 PM JST - 2nd October

From Wiki-Chem (the spelling challenged source of all chemical knowledge): The toxic nature of this compound arises from the mercury ion. Mercury Posioning causes a very serius neurological syndrome. A famous example is the Minamata disease occured in Japan. Typical symptoms of mercury poisoning are ataxia, muscle weakness,loss of vision, dameges to hearing and speech, paralysis, coma and death.

Other then that, no problemo.
outofmydepth at 05:33 PM JST - 2nd October

is this the same university the churns out the bureaucrats, politicians, etc. pillars of society, those.
serindipity at 05:49 PM JST - 2nd October

How can these people future pillars of society knowingly supply these poisoned foods to people within their own community? It says a lot for the integrity, ethics and patriotism of these people and it does reflect onto the society as a whole. What is happening in Japan? This week's Prime Minister has pronounced he intends to make Japan a happier and safer place. I wish him luck! He has got a huge job in front of him! I can't wait to see who the next organization is that has been supplying poisoned foods. Does anybody wanna speculate? Yoshinoya? Skylarks? Saizaria? Makes you wonder how these very cheap restaurants compete, doesn't it?
josebove at 06:38 PM JST - 2nd October

1999--it took the whistleblower a while to find his or her whistle...
timeon at 06:45 PM JST - 2nd October

apparently it was an employee, I hope they will make clear how much was the university involved and who will take responsibility for this. I assume the professor in charge should be given the boot, together with a criminal investigation
DanielM at 08:56 PM JST - 2nd October

The Sumo sport, now a top University.... whats next? japanese pride is crumbling:)
kawabunga at 09:05 PM JST - 2nd October

Yea but WHAT are ya gonna eat your Weetabix WITH?? Tainted milk, tainted yogurt?? Scary! McDs is looking healthy now....
rjd_jr at 09:58 PM JST - 2nd October

Sickening. But sorry folks, one bad employee caught red handed does not equate deliberately using a substance that is in the actual final product, with deliberate knowledge from all in the organization for the sake of profits.

Completely different situation folks.
Nessie at 10:16 PM JST - 2nd October

Good think it wasn't weed or they'd really be in trouble.
KitsuneYoukai at 11:11 PM JST - 2nd October

Come on people, it would take eating a lot of the stuff to even make a difference in health. The thing about such metals like Mercury is that they remain in your tissues and do not break down, hence the term poisoning. The good thing is that it was discovered and the problem corrected. So, don't be afraid to buy food.
Betting at 12:16 AM JST - 3rd October

Don't be afraid to buy food? Just imagine if they hadn't been discovered, they'd still be doing it!!

Don't be afraid to buy food ..../hahahaha.