Canada, China reach consumer safety agreement

Last Updated: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 | 9:23 AM ET

CBC News

Canada and China have come up with a plan to ensure that their consumer products are safe and to make sure problems can be dealt with more effectively when they arise.

An agreement announced on Tuesday establishes the Canada-China Joint Committee on Health, which will share information, set goals and address issues surrounding food, drug and product regulations, emerging infectious diseases and scientific exchange.

"Canadians have told us they are concerned about the safety of the food and products they buy and use, and our government shares these concerns," said Health Minister Tony Clement in a news release. "By announcing these measures today in co-operation with one of our trading partners, we are taking an important step to protect the health and safety of Canadian families."

The memorandum of understanding signed by Clement and the Chinese minister of quality supervision, inspection and quarantine will establish training workshops for Chinese manufacturers to ensure they understand and comply with Canadian safety requirements.

Working groups will be formed to share information on regulatory requirements and lab testing procedures for consumer products of concern, such as toys.

The memorandum also includes plans to improve communication and the sharing of product information between the two governments, including a mechanism for urgent consultation when critical safety issues arise.

Committee members will come from a number of Canadian and Chinese health-related departments.

"Many of the world's health issues are truly global in scope and demand the high level of collaboration this committee signals," said Dr. Chen Zhu, China's health minister in a release.

This agreement follows a series of recalls and product safety investigations relating to Chinese imports, including products ranging from pet food and toothpaste to tires and children's toys.