One would not underestimate the importance of food safety in attaining a healthy life. As a scientific arm of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), the Food Research Laboratory plays an important role in enhancing food safety in Hong Kong, if not in the world. In the last few months, the Laboratory has actively participated in the "Science in the Public Service" Campaign, including the joint exhibition and scientific lectures held at the Central Library, the symposium held at the Science Museum and the "A New Scientific Hong Kong" programme that broadcasted at RTHK Radio.

Over the past decade, members of public have an increasing appetite for health related topics. After the presentation of the scientific lecture in the Central Library, a number of newspapers showed their interests to spread the messages to a wider audience. Following an interview with the media on the topic of acrylamide in food, the subject became the headline of one of the major local newspapers. Such a prominent treatment of the topic is perhaps a tell-tale sign that many of the Hong Kong citizens are health conscious, hungry for more food safety advices, especially on high-risk food items. Experience in having direct contacts with citizens during the Campaign process has reinforced the belief that the public are longing for more in-depth health messages about the foods they consumed.

With the establishment of the Centre for Food Safety on 2 May 2006, the Centre will strengthen its communication with the public. Risk communication with the stakeholders including the general public is well recognized as an essential component of food safety control. In the coming months, the public is invited to participate in a number of events including, "Food Hygiene Talk", "Food Safety Day", etc to be organized by the CFS. Besides, Hong Kong citizens could also obtain more food safety information from CFS's website, enrol in the Food Safety and Pest Control Electronic Information Delivery System, visit the Risk Communication Unit at Fa Yuen Street etc. With a stronger partnership with the public, CFS aims to take food safety standards of Hong Kong to a new horizon.