To better prepare for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events, a consultant will be seconded from the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine to the Hong Kong Government to help scrutinise the horses.

This was the message from Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau after meeting with Mainland officials in Beijing today.

Mrs Yau called on Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Executive Vice-President Yang Shu'an to exchange views on the equine quarantine and health issues.

She also had a meeting with Director General of the Department of Animal & Plant Quarantine Yu Taiwei, and Director of the Import & Export Food Security Bureau Li Yuanping.

Food safety

"In light of the recent concern about food safety issues involving food, fish and vegetables, both sides have agreed to strengthen gate-keeping work. We have also reconfirmed the current co-operation mechanism, which stressed on immediate notification and prompt action with a view to ensuring food safety", Mrs Yau said.

At the meeting, she emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency of the food safety regime. Both sides agreed to the current principles and practice and believed that the public would benefit.