Deputy Mayor Chao’s Remarks:
1. Due to recent atmospheric circulation patterns, a weather front is approaching. All relevant bureaus and departments are urged to exercise caution regarding potential issues arising from localized severe thunderstorms. While cloud formations are currently concentrated in central and northern parts of Taiwan, preemptive measures should still be taken to mitigate the risk of sudden rainfall. This includes intensifying environmental cleaning efforts and clearing stagnant water from containers. The Water Resources Bureau, District Offices, and other pertinent bureaus and departments are instructed to monitor closely areas prone to rockslides and designated warning points. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring proper drainage around various public projects. The Public Works Bureau is called upon to enhance inspections of ongoing public construction projects, including excavation sites, pipelines, and road surfaces. Vigilance is necessary to identify and address any potential obstructions in drainage channels and box culverts.
2. In recent days, there has been a notable increase in seismic activity, with earthquakes of significant intensity occurring frequently. All bureaus and departments are urged to conduct thorough inspections within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on infrastructure, such as junior high schools and elementary school buildings. Any observed damage should be promptly addressed, with priority given to repairs of basic utilities, including electricity, water supplies, traffic signals, and communication systems. It is imperative to coordinate with relevant units to intensify inspections and ensure the smooth functioning of these facilities and infrastructure. The Office of Disaster Management is tasked with overseeing disaster prevention and preparedness initiatives. Additionally, it is responsible for disseminating emergency response instructions to the public through news channels, especially in anticipation of sudden rainfall and earthquakes, to ensure that the public remains well-informed.
3. When agricultural damage occurs, the Agriculture Bureau is urged to gather promptly firsthand information and provide timely updates to prevent any public misconceptions that the government has been inactive.
Reports
1. The Public Health Bureau presented a report on "Advancement Initiatives in Food Safety Inspection and Consumer Protection" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Deputy Mayor Chao’s Comments:
(1) In recent times, instances of food safety incidents have emerged not only within our city but also across other counties and cities. The Tainan City government, having established essential mechanisms long ago to ensure food safety, continues to prioritize this issue. The Economic Development Bureau, Education Bureau, Agriculture Bureau, Department of Legal Affairs, Consumer Protection Officers, and other pertinent bureaus and departments have been requested to assist in conducting routine food safety inspections. During the New Year holiday period and routine food safety projects, the city government conducts inspections on over 4,000 businesses annually. Furthermore, it offers guidance to merchants on adhering to government regulations and actively promotes relevant food safety certification programs.
(2) Tainan City is renowned as a gourmet food destination, and it also boasts a significant influx of tourists each year. Therefore, ensuring food safety is among the government's top priorities in addressing matters related to people's livelihoods. In addition to implementing traceability and independent management systems, the city government conducts inspections at various levels to guarantee food safety.
(3) The city government actively encourages businesses to register for product liability insurance and advocates for simplifying the food safety registration system at the central government level. This would enable local governments to access product liability insurance information through an interface, thus enhancing the food environment and safeguarding the rights and interests of businesses. Through text messages, the city government notified 21,278 food businesses in this city to register for product liability insurance and has provided guidance to 3,746 businesses thus far. Achieving such results in a short period is commendable. Smooth progress in the central government's interface would expedite our city government's guidance efforts.
(4) We extend our gratitude to the Public Health Bureau for its proactive management of food safety incidents during this period. Whether these incidents originate within our city or are transferred from other counties and cities, our city government addresses them promptly. We also appreciate the support of the relevant bureaus and departments in assisting with these efforts and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to the public.
(5) We ask colleagues from relevant bureaus and departments to include the storage of food items and ingredients, as well as the food preparation environment, as inspection items during food safety inspections. Additionally, we urge them to supervise and encourage businesses to collaborate effectively in addressing public concerns regarding food safety.