Japan says to ease restrictions on some foods, sees low radiation risk

TOKYO, April 8 (Reuters) - Japan plans to lift sales restrictions on certain foods grown in some areas around the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, with its chief government spokesman saying levels of radiation in some places have been consistently low.

Japan will lift restrictions on milk produced in Kitakata in Fukushima prefecture and other areas, as well as on spinach and other vegetables from neighbouring Gunma prefecture, Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano said on Friday.

He also said the government will restrict rice planting in areas where radiation levels are higher than limits set by food regulations.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Joseph Radford)