At the opening ceremony of the 2015 EU-Taiwan Food Safety Seminar, which was held today in Taipei, Premier Mao Chi-kuo attached great importance to cooperation between the government and relevant industries to put into practice Taiwan's food safety regulations and policies, adding that the nation should refer to international experiences in food management to continue progressing in the field.
The food industry has always been an important sector not only for citizens' livelihood but also for Taiwan's economic development, said the premier. After several major food safety incidents, the industry has greatly recovered its vitality through joint efforts from government agencies, the legislative branch and food businesses, and relevant regulations and policies governing food safety have since been greatly adjusted and advanced.
Food safety cannot solely rely on the public sector, Premier Mao stressed. Businesses must step up their management, with the government offering guidance and assistance, toughening inspections, and implementing source supervision in line with its three-tier food safety control policy. Meanwhile, the public must help oversee and uncover illegal practices. These are all crucial steps to ensure the safety of the food citizens consume, the premier stated.
In support of the World Health Organization's highlighting the topic of food safety on this year's World Health Day, the Executive Yuan's Office of Food Safety invited relevant government agencies and civic groups to conduct Food Safety Week from June 22 to 27 in hopes of sharing experiences in food safety risk management, reinforcing the industry's development and rebuilding citizens' confidence.
The premier also affirmed cooperation between Taiwan and the EU in this field. The two sides have continued to bolster their food safety management exchange over the years, such as by holding seminars facilitating dialogues among industry, the government and academia and reinforcing related bilateral ties, he pointed out.
In addition, with the assistance of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade as well as the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), officials of the ROC's Council of Agriculture and Ministry of Health and Welfare have visited the FVO's headquarters in Ireland as well as Hungary to gain a better understanding of the EU's inspection and guarantee mechanisms, bolster their capabilities in inspecting food producers, and further strengthen ties with their EU counterparts.