Chen Chun-chi: If Sprouted Potatoes Are Found in Border Inspections, Each Item Will Be Checked

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Ching-yin, Taipei, 24th) The import quarantine standards for processed potatoes imported from the United States have recently garnered much attention. Minister of Agriculture Chen Chun-chi stated today that if sprouted potatoes are found during border and customs cabinet inspections, and after the operator submits an improvement plan which is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, the entire cabinet of potatoes will be sent to a designated processing plant for item-by-item inspection.

Premier Cho Jung-tai and relevant ministry heads went to the Legislative Yuan today to deliver a policy report and answer interpellations, and Chen Chun-chi made the above statement during an interview before the meeting.

Regarding opposition lawmakers' focus on Premier Cho Jung-tai's statement of 'item-by-item inspection,' Chen Chun-chi said that if sprouted potatoes are found during border and customs cabinet inspections, and after the operator submits an improvement plan which is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, the entire cabinet of potatoes will be sent to a designated processing plant for item-by-item inspection.

Chen Chun-chi said that under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, only after the operator inspects according to relevant operating procedures will a qualified quarantine certificate be issued. Therefore, from customs sealing the cabinet to the designated processing plant, it is all part of the border inspection. Only after obtaining a qualified quarantine certificate can it enter the processing production line. (Editor: Su Chih-chung) 1150424