Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) yesterday said that the government must step up efforts to tighten its surveillance at the origins of import and strengthen cooperation with the mainland firms.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the DAB spokesperson and legislator Wong Yung-kan stated that the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) should restructure its surveillance mechanism, by recruiting more experienced professionals in fisheries and agriculture.

"It will help coordinate and monitor the origins of food, which are unfortunately the cause of recent food scare," said Wong. "A review of the operation of CFS is urgent, in order to improve its crisis management," Wong said.

The DAB also welcomed the new measures proposed by the State General Administration of Quality Supervision on Tuesday, regarding the check-ups of all registered egg farms and companies.

"The implementation of new measures may take some time, but the government should increase inspection of food imports and prevent unsafe good entering Hong Kong through improper channels," Wong said.

In an apparent bid to respond to the recent food scare, the DAB conducted a survey on public opinions about the CFS performance from 23 to 27 November. A total of 811 people were interviewed on telephone.

The results point to the room for improvement for the CFS, as over half of the respondents (54.9 per cent) consider CFS goal-keeping performance as "unsatisfactory."

The majority of respondents (72.4 per cent) agree that there should be a comprehensive review of the operation of the CFS.

About 70 per cent look forward to the development of local fisheries industry, creating more choices for the public.

While the import of mainland fish continues to be suspended, the Guangdong Provincial Oceanic and Fisheries Administration conducted further checks of fresh water fish in Shunde. None of the 15 samples was found to be contaminated.