A new Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification process takes effect on April 1 to ensure food safety. That’s after a tainted oil incident last year which had even included products with a GMP certificate.
The economics ministry said that the new process involves three parts. One is that all production lines and products will have to be certified. Second is management of the sources of origin for raw and processed materials used in the products. Third is helping companies get international food safety certification.
Economics ministry official Lu Cheng-hua said that companies currently have not received new GMP signs yet.
“When a company comes to apply [for a new GMP sign], their process and system has to be inspected," said Lu.
"The new certification has to wait until the entire process is completed before issuing new signs. The new system involves many levels including whether proper procedures are being followed and whether the manufacturers follow high standards for hygiene.”
The economics ministry said that the new process will have a one-year grace period. It also said that products currently on the market with GMP signs are in line with regulations and are safe to buy.