Safety pledge: Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Warner Cheuk (third right) joins guests at the Food Safety Charter signing ceremony.

Safeguards will be in place to ensure food safety during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong next month, Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Warner Cheuk says.

Speaking at the Food Safety Charter signing ceremony today Mr Cheuk said the Government will keep close ties with suppliers to check food stocks, adding preparations are in place for the smooth staging of the events.

Noting the trade plays a vital safety role, he said about 20 food trade associations and 300 licensed food shops have signed the charter to help spread safety messages to staff and customers, including the 5 Keys to Food Safety:

* Choose: choose safe raw materials;

* Clean: keep hands and utensils clean;

* Separate: separate raw and cooked food;

* Cook: cook food thoroughly; and,

* Safe temperature: keep food at or below four degrees Celsius or above 60 degrees.

Mr Cheuk said more licensed food premises will be invited to sign the charter in mid-July.