1. The Business Times
Unsafe and inadequate food systems threaten every country in Asia. Millions of people fall ill every year, and many die as a result of eating unsafe food. Globally, diarrhoeal diseases alone kill an estimated 1.5 million children annually, most of which is attributable to food preparation and storage. According to the World Health Organisation, about 75 per cent of the new infectious diseases affecting humans over the past 10 years were caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that started in animals and animal products. Protecting our global food supply chain is one of the most important public health challenges, particularly in Asia. This is no easy task in today's globalised world. Singapore
2. The China Piost
Last week 37 suppliers of food additives were hit with a NT$1.2 million (HK$317,000) class-action judgment by the New Taipei District Court for providing toxic plasticiser-tainted additives to food manufacturers. The court should tackle this substantial challenge with the utmost courage and diligence. The class-action lawsuit does not only affect the fates of 568 victims - it will set an important precedent for future food safety lawsuits at a time when food safety scandals are breaking out one after another. Justly harsh punishments should be meted out to businesses that have the indecency to put the health of the entire population at risk just to make a buck. This will be the best deterrent against continuing malpractice. Taipei