Close co-operation: The second working meeting on Exchanges & Co-operation in Food Safety for Hong Kong-Guangdong.

Hong Kong and Guangdong have proposed refining their co-operation mechanism to better address food safety demand.

The Mainland will inform Hong Kong as soon as possible when announcing reports on problematic food so departments can take follow-up action, like checking whether such food has entered Hong Kong.

At the second working meeting on Exchanges & Co-operation in Food Safety for Hong Kong-Guangdong, both sides reviewed the operation of their framework agreement signed last year.

The Guangdong side was led by Food & Drug Administration Director-General Chen Yuansheng. Discussion focused on problematic food for internal consumption found in Guangdong and its impact on Hong Kong.

Effective exchange

Leading the Hong Kong side, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau said the agreement has bolstered Hong Kong's liaison, communication and co-operation with Guangdong, aiding a more effective exchange of information.

Food supplied to Hong Kong, and items intended for domestic consumption, are subject to different regulatory regimes. However, with heavy passenger and freight flow between the two places, Hong Kong pays special attention to information on Mainland food that is not designated for supply to Hong Kong.

"Food safety closely concerns our everyday life. Guangdong Province is the hub for food supply to Hong Kong. Close co-operation between the governments of the two places can enhance the mechanism of disseminating food safety information which helps remove anxieties," Mrs Yau said.