President Tsai Ing-wen says food safety is a top priority for the government. Tsai was speaking at the Taiwan Food Safety Summit on Tuesday.
Tsai said food safety policy entails management and systematic risk analysis. As it involves coordination between the government, producers, consumers and the business sector, any lapses from production to the dining table could trigger a crisis.
It is difficult to root out the problem, but she said the government can control hazards through a system that uses technology to boost efficiency. Tsai explained the government’s plans to ensure food safety.
Tsai said, “We are setting up an independent food safety evaluation committee to conduct a risk analysis of major food safety issues to work towards preventive risk management. To monitor the origin of [food products], we will establish an organization that manages toxins and chemical substances. The government is also planning to raise the food safety budget by 50% next year.”
Tsai said the government is working to simplify the certificate of origins and meet international standards.