Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene of Hong Kong Warner Cheuk said Thursday the government will put all safeguard measures in place to ensure food safety during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in the city next month.

Speaking at the Food Safety Charter signing ceremony Thursday, Cheuk said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will keep close ties with suppliers to check food stocks, adding preparations are in place for the smooth staging of the events.

Cheuk said about 20 food trade associations and 300 licensed food shops have signed the charter to help spread safety messages to staff and customers and he expected more licensed food premises will be invited to sign the charter in mid-July.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2008)