Japan Times: Expo hit for seizing food, drinks at gates
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has asked organizers of the World Expo in Aichi Prefecture to consider allowing visitors to bring their own food and drinks onto the grounds, government officials said Wednesday. Many visitors have complained about the controversial ban prohibiting them from bringing their own food and drinks into the expo. The Japan Association for the 2005 Aichi World Expo claimed it has banned packed lunches due to concerns over food poisoning. It claimed bottled and canned drinks have been prohibited as an antiterrorism measure...Visitors have also complained that food at the expo venue is over-priced; vendors are charging about 1,000 yen for simple dishes such as noodles as well as curry and rice.