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Consumer groups demand mandatory origin labeling for processed food ingredients

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Consumer groups in Taiwan are calling for mandatory labeling of the origin of ingredients in processed foods.
  • They argue that current labeling, which often states

Consumer advocates rallied at Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, demanding that processed foods clearly indicate the origin of their raw ingredients. The groups argue that current labeling practices, which often list the place of processing rather than the ingredient's origin, mislead consumers and obscure potential food risks.

Approximately 20 activists gathered to present their petition, highlighting the issue with imported agricultural products processed in Taiwan. They explained that these products, after undergoing minimal processing, can be labeled as originating from Taiwan. This practice, they contend, allows lower-priced imported ingredients to be disguised as premium Taiwanese products, leading consumers to pay inflated prices unknowingly.

Origin labeling is not just a legal problem, but respect for farmers and honesty toward consumers. If processing businesses use imported raw materials, they should honestly label them. They cannot label the origin as 'Taiwan' just because it is processed in Taiwan, otherwise, it ignores the value and effort of farmers' hard work.

— Yang Ru-menFounder of 284 Farmers' Market, explaining the importance of accurate origin labeling.

Yang Ru-men, founder of 284 Farmers' Market, emphasized that origin labeling is not just a legal matter but a sign of respect for farmers and honesty toward consumers. He stated that processors using imported ingredients should honestly declare their source, rather than labeling the product as Taiwanese simply because it was processed there. This, he argued, devalues the hard work of farmers.

The government promotes food and agriculture education and encourages people to support local products, but hides the 'source of raw materials,' greatly diminishing consumers' right to know. The Ministry of Health and Welfare should amend the law as soon as possible to ensure transparency of raw material source information and propose a clear timeline.

— Wu Bi-shuangExecutive director of the Homemakers United Foundation, urging for legislative changes.

Wu Bi-shuang, executive director of the Homemakers United Foundation, added that Taiwan's promotion of local agriculture and food education is undermined when the source of raw materials is hidden. She urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to amend regulations promptly to ensure transparency in raw material sourcing and to provide a clear timeline for implementation. Such measures, she believes, build consumer trust and support for domestic agricultural products, rather than burdening businesses.

Guo Su-e, standing supervisor of the National Federation of Dietetic Associations, stressed that labeling the origin of main ingredients is crucial for food safety. For vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, knowing the source helps prevent the accidental consumption of potentially risky or unsuitable ingredients, enabling informed dietary choices based on personal health needs.

The main ingredient origin labeling is key to ensuring food safety. For special groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases, knowing the source helps avoid mistakenly consuming ingredients that are potentially risky or unsuitable for their constitution due to ambiguous origins, allowing consumers to truly make appropriate dietary choices based on their personal health.

— Guo Su-eStanding supervisor of the National Federation of Dietetic Associations, highlighting the health implications of origin transparency.

Lin Lan-yi, a senior inspector from the Food and Drug Administration's Food Safety Department, acknowledged the groups' demands and petition. She stated that the agency would review the proposals and continue to study international standards for timely updates. Currently, Taiwanese businesses can voluntarily label the origin of their product ingredients, provided the information is accurate. False labeling, however, can result in fines ranging from NT$40,000 to NT$4 million under the "Food Safety and Sanitation Act."

Regarding the demands and petition from the civic groups, the Food and Drug Administration will review and consider them comprehensively. We will continue to collect international standards and revise them in a timely manner to keep pace with the times. Domestic businesses can currently voluntarily label the origin of their product ingredients, but they must label them accurately. If a business voluntarily labels but the labeling is false, they can be fined NT$40,000 to NT$4 million according to the 'Food Safety and Sanitation Act.'

— Lin Lan-yiSenior inspector from the Food and Drug Administration's Food Safety Department, responding to the activists' demands.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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