Members of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of China visited Kings County on Saturday to inspect the new food processing equipment that was unveiled in Hanford weeks ago by local company Global Food Technologies.

"The People's Republic of China takes food safety very seriously for its domestic consumption and for China's exports," said Wang Hui Ping, director of the Hainan division of the Entry-Exit Bureau. "China represents about 35 percent of the total global seafood production and the USA imports almost 85 percent of its seafood consumption, which makes us natural partners."

Global Food Technologies, which houses its corporate offices in Hanford, recently signed a letter of intent to install and operate its patented food safety system in the Hainan island province, off the coast of southern China.

"This agreement is the first step in fulfilling our earlier contract to operate 265 systems in China over the next five years," said Keith Meeks, president of Global Food Technologies.

The visitors were taken on a tour of the old Pirelli Tire plant in Hanford's industrial park, where the company plans to build a comprehensive research and technology lab later this year.

"Our program unites green technologies, non-thermal organic processes and extraordinary science-based controls to ensure that seafood products are clean and safe, without affecting the natural taste, texture, color, or its nutritional value and health benefits," said Aaron Ormond, GFT director of science.

The building currently houses the latest version of iPura Food Safety and Quality Assurance Program, a system which is aimed at eliminating pathogens and contaminates in food products before they reach the consumer. By using a combination of high temperatures and pressure, the fully automated process can reportedly kill harmful microbes in foods while retaining a high volume of output as well.

Chinese exports have fallen under increasing scrutiny over the past several months, as growing numbers of toys, food and other products from the country have been recalled or labeled as potentially dangerous.

Media sources report that sales of certain "Made in China" products have fallen sharply since September, as the Chinese government increased the levels of scrutiny required before any shipment could leave their country.

"The problems presented in the U.S. media do not accurately reflect our industries as a whole," Entry-Exit Bureau Director Ping said. "We have taken strong action to identify and close problem facilities and we have mobilized 30,000 inspectors to further safeguard our food production.

"China is known to have some of the most modern facilities which produce some of the best quality seafood in the world. Our industries seek to use the best available technologies to achieve the highest standard in food safety."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(March 2, 2008)