South Korea's imports of Japanese food have plummeted as radiation fears and stricter inspections cut demand, data from the Korea Food and Drug Administration showed Thursday.

Imports have fallen 74 percent to a daily average of 75 tons this month from 293 tons a day in April.

"The drastic reduction in Japanese food imports is ascribed to measures put in place as of May 1, requiring mandatory submission of Japanese government-issued certificates and the strengthening of food safety checks," the FDA said in a statement.

South Korean consumers are also avoiding Japanese food due to fears of radioactive contamination, according to the statement.

Starting this month, South Korea is requiring safety certificates for food imports from 13 regions in Japan.