일본의 농림수산상이 학교와 병원에 유통된 쌀에서 농약이 검출된 사건에 책임을 지고 사임했습니다.
오타 세이치 농림수산상은 이번 사건이 일본 사회에 큰 영향을 주고 있다면서, 후쿠다 야스오 총리에게 사임의사를 밝혔다고 말했습니다.
이번 사건은 이달초 쌀 가공판매회사들이 곰팡이와 농약이 섞인 공업용 쌀을 수입했다고 시인하면서 불거졌습니다. 판매업자들은 문제의 수입 쌀을 과자와 술을 생산하는 식품회사들에도 팔았습니다.
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Japan's agricultural minister is
stepping down over a scandal involving contaminated rice that was distributed
to schools and hospitals.
Seiichi Ota told reporters today(Friday) he has offered his resignation
to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. He said the scandal was having an impact on
Japanese society.
The scandal broke earlier this month when rice traders admitted to importing
rice tainted with mold or pesticide that was intended for industrial uses. The
traders sold the rice to food makers who used it to make a variety of products,
including snacks and alcohol.
Ota came under fire for saying the issue was not of major importance.