A ministry spokesman said the move was unrelated to current terrorism fears but was based on a recommendation by radiation protection authorities.

Potassium iodide is thought to protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radiation.

News magazine Der Spiegel reported in an advance copy of its Monday issue that Germany planned to establish seven centers across the country in which people in a radius of up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) could be treated in case of a nuclear emergency.

The majority of the tablets would be available at such centers.

Germany has agreed to phase out its 19 nuclear power plants over the next two decades due to safety concerns.

WAR.WIRE