Maintaining the safety of Taiwan’s food and safeguarding public health is a top priority for the government, ROC Premier Jiang Yi-huah said May 30.
“The Department of Health activated a special program this week to enforce across-the-board food inspections, remove and destroy contaminated products, and ensure that illegal products are no longer manufactured,” Jiang said.
“The DOH will work with other agencies to put the matter to a swift end, punish violators and ensure safety up and down the food supply chain.”
Jiang made the remarks at a regular Cabinet meeting following the discovery of starch containing illegally added chemical maleic anhydride in products such as tapioca balls, rice noodles and tofu puddings.
Separately, the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee under the Legislative Yuan passed preliminary review of amendments to the Act Governing Food Sanitation the same day.
Under the revised bill, manufacturers using harmful food additives face imprisonment of a maximum 10 years or a fine of up to NT$15 million (US$500,000). If the additives cause death, those responsible may be sentenced to seven years to life imprisonment and a possible fine of up to NT$20 million.
In addition, manufacturers will be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million if they use food additives unapproved by the DOH. (KML-JSM)
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