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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a media stand-up session in the West Wing lobby of Central Government Offices today (October 20):
Reporter: When do you expect the new legislation (the law about prohibiting import and sale, and ordering recall of problem food) can be tabled? Have you consulted the retail industry on this?
Secretary for Food and Health: In the last few weeks, we have been consulting various stakeholders regarding the amendment of the legislation. We foresee that after we have gone through the various steps in the internal scrutiny of the Government, we will present the legislation to the legislature as soon as possible.
Reporter: Did any stakeholders express any concerns about the legislation?
Secretary for Food and Health: I think the trade only expressed concern about under what sort of circumstances we would exercise this authority. The main concern is whether we would be too non specific, whether there would be a mechanism for appeal and compensation if they suffer any loss. That will be addressed by the legislation.
(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript)
Ends/Monday, October 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:16
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