Press Releases
PSHWF visited Beijing to discuss food safety issues
The Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, met with
officials from relevant authorities of the Central People's Government in
Beijing today (September 7) to discuss food safety and equine quarantine issues.
Mrs Yau called on the Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Organising
Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Mr Yang Shu'an, to
exchange views on the equine quarantine and health issues of the horses taking
part in the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong in 2008.
To better prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in 2008, an
experienced consultant will be seconded from the State General Administration of
the Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region Government to assist in the inspection and
quarantine work of equestrian horses.
Mrs Yau also had a meeting with the Director General of the Department of Animal
and Plant Quarantine of AQSIQ, Mr Yu Taiwei, and Director of the Import and
Export Food Security Bureau of AQSIQ, Mr Li Yuanping, discussing issues of
public concern.
"In the light of the recent public concerns about food safety issues involving
food, fish and vegetables, both sides have agreed to strengthen the gate-keeping
work. We have also reconfirmed the current cooperation mechanism, which stressed
on immediate notification and prompt action with a view to ensuring food
safety", Mrs Yau said.
During the meeting, she emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency of
the food safety regime, which was shared by the AQSIQ. Both sides agreed to the
current principles and practice and believed that the public would benefit.
They also discussed the latest avian influenza situation and preventive
measures, and reviewed the arrangements for the recent export of chilled pork to
Hong Kong.
Accompanying Mrs Yau to visit Beijing were the Director of Food and
Environmental Hygiene, Mr Eddy Chan; Deputy Secretaries for Health, Welfare and
Food, Mr Warner Cheuk and Miss Susie Ho; and Controller of Centre for Food
Safety, Dr Mak Sin-ping.
Ends/Thursday, September 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:09
NNNN