The ROC government’s response to the discovery of starch containing unapproved maleic anhydride in a number of food products has delivered swift results and helped restore public confidence, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said June 13.
“We have adopted many new measures and regulations that will significantly boost food safety, an issue of paramount importance,” Jiang said during a regular Cabinet meeting.
Since the outbreak was discovered May 17, no additional cases of manufacturers using the illegal starch have been reported, Jiang said.
In addition, food products testing positive for maleic anhydride-modified starch has dropped from 53.8 percent to 4 percent, Jiang said. Manufacturers and retailers of certain starch products have a 100 percent rate for providing safety certificates, and the number of calls made by consumers on the issue has dropped dramatically, he added.
On May 31, the ROC Legislative Yuan passed amendments to food-related regulations with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment May 31.
Related government agencies including Council of Agriculture, Council of Labor Affairs, Environmental Protection Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice and an inter-governmental task force headed by Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo have also devised an action plan and complementary measures, according to Jiang.
“They will work with local government to further strengthen the food safety network and ensure all related measures are completed within six months,” the premier said.
The action plan includes setting up a compulsory registration system; stepping up penalties for an array of illegal food-related activities with a maximum fine of NT$15 million (US$502,350); using cloud computing technology to ensure source controls of chemical ingredients; launching a tracking scheme for the production process and trade of food; mandating comprehensive labeling of all ingredients; increasing rewards for violation reports; lifting rates for inspection and management of food-related matters; establishing food-safety funds and a consumer compensation mechanism; and inviting more experts and civil groups to take part in follow-up national food-safety meetings. (RC-JSM)
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