EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM PROPOSAL: HONG KONG, FOOD

UNCLAS HONG KONG 000422

SIPDIS

STATE FOR OES/STC EKANE
USDA FOR FAS/OCRA/MPOOL
BEIJING FOR AG COUNSELOR
TOKYO FOR AG COUNSELOR
SEOUL FOR AG COUNSELOR
HANOI FOR AG ATTACHE
AIT FOR AG CHIEF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO HK
SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM PROPOSAL: HONG KONG, FOOD
SAFETY

Ref: STATE 10843


1. (U) The Consulate General Hong Kong is pleased to submit the
following request for a Food Safety Expert under the 2009 Embassy
Science Fellow Program (reftel). Such a Science Fellow would
greatly assist the Hong Kong Government (HKG) strengthen and improve
its food testing regime and ensure that both science and risk-based
standards are set and implemented in a manner that prevents
unnecessary disruptions in trade.


2. (SBU) Following a wave of public concern generated by a series
of food safety scares over imported items from mainland China, the
HKG put in place vigorous food safety surveillance programs and
testing mechanisms. These programs resulted in the testing of more
than 130,000 food samples in 2008 by the Government Laboratory, the
primary food product testing laboratory of the HKG. The lab
continues to expand its capability and as Hong Kong testing
protocols become more stringent, U.S. food products are increasingly
found to contain levels of preservatives and/or metals that exceed
Hong Kong standards.


3. (SBU) This Department-sponsored Fellow would work with the
Government Laboratory to strengthen the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship
and improve understanding about the differences between our food
testing regimes. The Fellow would also specifically assist in
efforts to improve understanding of sampling and detection testing
for Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). LMOs are a source of
significant trade friction and the Hong Kong Legislative Council
will consider new legislation regulating them this fall. The
Embassy Science Fellow would be expected to provide advice on the
establishment of clear guidelines for residue detection and testing
procedures and standards for levels of preservatives, metals, and
residual pesticide in food products. In addition, we hope the
successful candidate could participate in public diplomacy and
educational efforts aimed at raising support for science and
risk-based standards.


4. (SBU) Logistical details for proposed Hong Kong Science Fellow:

* Preferred timeframe: early fall to winter 2009
* Proposed length: 4 - 6 weeks
* Medical Clearance: N/A
* Security Clearance: N/A
* Commitment: post will provide housing, office and logistical and
in-country travel support.
* RSO Clearance: RSO has reviewed and cleared this proposal.


5. (U) Point of Contact in Consulate General Hong Kong:
Consulate Econ Officer Russ Westergard, WestergardRJ@state.gov,
Economic Unit Chief Jim Mullinax, mullinaxjd@state.gov, or FAS
officer, Anita Katial, anital.katial@usda.gov.

DONOVAN