Risk-Based Import Food Safety Management Activities: Perspectives on Food Importers in Taiwan

Introduction:  Taiwan is limited in natural resources; relying mostly upon importation of raw material, such as foods items. Regulated products come from more than 150 countries. Main countries of origin, by weight, are the United States, Brazil, Thailand, Australia, and China. Growth rates of imported foods have been 5–11% per year. Import food management and border control is, thus, very important to Taiwan. To address food safety, food importers should, also, consider establishing a product safety management program to secure imported food safety.

Purpose:  This study aims to suggest risk-based food safety management activities for food importers. In particular, we would like to analyze the relationship between risk level and food safety management activities used for food importers prior product entry and during entry process.

Methods:  During 2015-2016, surveys were mailed to importers (grains, canned foods, dairy, seafood, confections, vegetables, fruit, and picked food). Overall, we received 180 responses, resulting in a 14% response rate.

Results:  Design of food safety management system encompasses control and assurance activities to guarantee food safety. Our preliminary results indicate that level of risk in imported foods is related to t he number of food controls and assurances used for food importers. For high risk levels of imported food, it is necessary that the foreign supplier selection is based on international certification and company reputation, determined prior to doing business; sample testing before entry; and product testing by an independent third-party laboratory during entry.

Significance: The results can help food importers design their product safety management program. Moreover, it can optimize the efficiency of food control and cost for importers by reducing unnecessary inspection and testing costs.