3,757...
...was the number of calls regarding food labeling problems during 2007.
Japan's agriculture ministry says a record number of calls were made to its public hotline for food labeling in 2007, amid a series of mislabeling scandals. NHK World reports that a total of 3,757 cases were reported to 65 stations across Japan last year, about 2.7 times more than a year earlier.
Officials say, until June 2007, they used to receive about 100 calls a month. However, the number jumped sharply after it was revealed that Meat Hope had falsely labeled ground beef. Increasingly, it is industry insiders who are calling MAFF's hotline. Officials say whistle-blowers have brought to light many irregularities in recent years.
Phone numbers to MAFF and their local "consumer corner" offices around the country are listed here (Japanese only).
(Graph from NHK of phone calls to the MAFF hotlines)
Japan's agriculture ministry says a record number of calls were made to its public hotline for food labeling in 2007, amid a series of mislabeling scandals. NHK World reports that a total of 3,757 cases were reported to 65 stations across Japan last year, about 2.7 times more than a year earlier.
Officials say, until June 2007, they used to receive about 100 calls a month. However, the number jumped sharply after it was revealed that Meat Hope had falsely labeled ground beef. Increasingly, it is industry insiders who are calling MAFF's hotline. Officials say whistle-blowers have brought to light many irregularities in recent years.
Phone numbers to MAFF and their local "consumer corner" offices around the country are listed here (Japanese only).
(Graph from NHK of phone calls to the MAFF hotlines)
Comments
How about a "Safety Ministry". Would make us all feel much less at risk, wouldn't it.