Answer:

The system has worked well, though some changes are still needed to handle such situations more effectively. It is possible and necessary to make preparations for such emergencies by the co-ordinated efforts of all members of the food supply chain. In order to ensure continuous monitoring of the complete supply chain and maintaining the required guarantees, the old model of separate supervisory authorities with their specialised fields of competence is no longer adequate. A centralised organisation is needed to supervise the whole food supply chain. The government has realised this a while ago and published decree no. 2243/2006. (XII. 23.) about the establishment of a unified food safety organisation under the direction of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. .The system is being reorganised at the moment, with the new organisation starting work on 1. October. In order to allow more effective supervision of the food supply chain, we intend to submit a bill in the autumn, which would provide the legal framework for comprehensive supervision of the complete supply chain, including wider powers for our experts and stricter sanctions. Trade organisations and NGO-s can also be of great help to responsible businesses in maintaining a high state of alertness to prevent such situations occurring. Consumers also have a role to play in this system, by refusing to buy unreliable products.