Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow signed a supplementary co-operation arrangement with Minister of the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine Wang Yong in Beijing today.

The deal strengthens co-operation and exchange between Hong Kong and the Mainland on the safety of food and agricultural products supplied to Hong Kong.

Dr Chow said the bureau signed a co-operation arrangement in October 2005 to safeguard food safety. The signing of the supplementary arrangement signifies enhancement in communication and co-ordination to protect food safety and combat illegal imports of food and agricultural products.

The two sides agreed to exchange information regarding epidemics and food safety incidents promptly, and to establish a communication system for major festivals to enhance information flow.

They agreed to further explore the methods of inspection and quarantine for food and agricultural products. Food sampling and surveillance will be based on the principle of risk assessment to ensure the safety of food products supplied to Hong Kong.

Both sides agreed to enhance the inspection, quarantine and supervision work at Mainland farms supplying poultry and related products, aquatic products and vegetables to Hong Kong.

They also agreed to combat illegal import and export of food and agricultural products by strengthening information and intelligence exchange.

They will maintain the liaison officer system and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will establish a liaison officer system with the Guangdong, Shenzhen and Zhuhai Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau.