Salt scare

China's nationwide run on table salt, sparked by fears of radiation from Japan's nuclear disaster and misplaced beliefs about iodine, continued Friday despite government efforts to calm the situation.

In a statement on its website, China's Ministry of Commerce said residents need not fear running out of salt. Many of the consumers buying up salt and emptying store shelves Thursday were worried less about radiation exposure and more about cooking supplies. The buying frenzy continued Friday, shops reported, as consumers continued hoarding.

"(The) salt supply is completely guaranteed in the country," the Commerce Ministry said.