By Lee Hsin-fang and Wu Liang-yi / Staff reportersThe government’s food policy is based on protecting people’s health, international standards and scientific evidence, a Presidential Office official said on Sunday. The official, who declined to be named, made the remarks in response to media queries about requests by Washington and Tokyo that Taiwan lift bans on some foods. Allowing imports of US pork and beef is a significant issue that requires professional evaluation and a clear answer would not be available in the short term, the Presidential Office official said. Taiwan and the US can still promote economic cooperation without deciding on the beef and pork issue, the official said. Japan-Republic of China Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Keiji Furuya broached the issue at a meeting with Tsai at the Presidential Office in Taipei on Friday last week.
