Two years on from the Fukushima crisis, 44 economies are still banning or restricting imports of Japanese foods due to concerns over residual radiation, according to government officials.

The government fears these economies could continue to impose the measures, damaging domestic food export businesses, the officials said.

According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, 10 countries including Canada and Mexico have lifted restrictions on foods shipments from Japan, but major importers such as China and South Korea have kept strict measures in place.