Disaster In Japan Affecting Tulsa Seafood Supply

Emily Baucum, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- News that the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan is contaminated with radiation has Tulsa seafood lovers concerned over the safety of their food.

Nam Hai Market supplies most of the fish for sushi restaurants around town. Managers say the store hasn't received a single shipment of fish from Japan since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

"I feel horrible for the people over there," Quan Do, with the Nam Hai Market, said. 

Manager Quan Do says shoppers are reeling in dwindling supplies of Japanese fish like yellowtail.  Early birds are catching the worm, because Do has no idea when the next batch is coming.

"Usually it takes 60 days for one product from Japan to come to the U.S.," he said. "They're still testing the water and the FDA is still testing all the product that comes from Japan."

When the FDA gives the okay, stores will restock.

The next dilemma for shoppers:

Sharie Deramus, shopper: "Do you trust it?"
Emily Baucum, News On 6: "Do you trust it?"
Sharie Deramus, shopper "I don't know."

Stores like Reasors, Bodean and White River Fish Company in Tulsa do not sell Japanese fish.  So most shoppers will likely not have to worry about tainted seafood.