Vice-Premier Wu Yi yesterday called for closer international
cooperation on food safety by establishing a notification
system.
Speaking at the High-Level International Food Safety Forum in
Beijing, Wu said food safety is a shared problem and responsibility
of all countries.
A large number of new materials and technologies used in food
processing have spawned new risks, and worldwide distribution also
renders the problem international, she said.
"Therefore, we need to establish an international food safety
notification system so that all countries can get first-hand
information on emergencies such as the outbreaks of mad cow disease
and bird flu, as well as other food-borne diseases," Wu told about
600 delegates from more than 40 countries and regions.
She also urged all countries to protect the environment of food
producing areas. "Clean water, soil and air are the preconditions
for safe food. We should pay more attention to source management
and pollution mitigation," Wu said.
Li Changjiang, the top quality control official, said the
environmental protection of food producing areas should focus on
the control of pesticide and veterinary drug residue to prevent
contamination.
Both officials acknowledged that although China had made
progress in improving food safety after a campaign started in late
August, gaps still exist between the country and the "advanced
level" of food safety monitoring around the world.
"We still face problems such as a large number of small-scale
food processing plants and inadequate government supervision," said
Li, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision,
Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
Wu said she hopes that developed countries provide more help to
developing countries to raise their standards, improve food
production technology and strengthen supervision.
The vice-premier also stressed that international food safety
issues should be settled through consultation.
"We disagree with biased, incomplete media reports and pure
condemnation that are blind to the facts; and we are opposed to
trade barriers set for food safety issues and politicizing the
issues," Wu said.
Chinese products have been in the international spotlight lately
after foreign media reported on allegedly toxic toothpaste and
seafood, and unsafe toys. The government has said some of the
reports were media hype and irresponsible.
As part of China's global efforts, framework cooperation
agreements were signed yesterday with Germany and the Republic of
Korea. Wei Chuanzhong, deputy head of AQSIQ, said the agreements
incorporate a consultation mechanism if an emergency occurs.
Susan Winckler, acting chief of staff of the US Food and Drug
Administration, said yesterday that China and the US might sign two
cooperation deals next month on food and feed, and drugs and
medical devices.
Delegates attending the two-day forum lauded China's recent
efforts to improve food safety and hosting the forum, which is to
issue a declaration on food safety today.
"Let me thank the Chinese government for hosting this forum...
which places major emphasis on the international exchange of
information and expertise. I find this most appropriate," Margaret
Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, said while
addressing the forum in a video speech.
European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson also said
China's efforts to improve quality are a good start, but warned
that it might be a long and meticulous process.
(China Daily November 27, 2007)
