Pyongyang, November 18 (KCNA) -- Soil contamination by radioactive substances in Japan is being expanded across the country, sparking a serious issue.

Radioactive cesium of 40,000 becquerels per kg of soil was detected around the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, according to a recent survey. This is 8 times than the level banning rice farming.

Radioactive cesium of 250 becquerels was detected in Hokkaido and 100 becquerels in Tokyo at the maximum.

Meanwhile, radioactive cesium surpassing the level was found in rice harvested in Fukushima City, the Fukushima Prefectural Authorities said on Nov. 16.