Fast-food chain to grow food 60 miles from Fukushima plant

Antoni Slodkowsk worldnews.nbcnews.com TOKYO -- A Japanese fast-food chain has announced plans to grow rice and vegetables on a farm 60 miles from the crippled Fukushima power plant, site of the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. Yoshinoya Holdings, which sells "gyudon'', or stewed beef over rice, has formed a joint-venture with local farmers to grow onions, cabbage and rice for use in outlets across the country. About 160,000 people nearest the plant were ordered to move out and the government established a 12 mile compulsory evacuation zone after an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 caused reactor meltdowns and contaminated water, vegetables and air. A voluntary evacuation zone was extended to 19 miles and separate areas were evacuated further afield depending on the wind direction. The leaks prompted many consumers to shun products from Fukushima prefecture, which was once well-known for its fruit, mushrooms and vegetables. to read more click here: worldnews.nbcnews.com