Instant noodle makers could soon face a maximum fine of NT$150,000 for false advertising if the contents of a noodle packet fails to match the picture on the packaging, the Department of Health said yesterday.
Noodle makers have a one-year grace period to use up existing inventory and change either their labels or product content, said Food and Drug Administration Section Chief Liu Fang-ming (劉芳銘), discussing the Instant Noodle Packaging Labeling Regulations (包裝速食麵標示相關規定) expected to come into effect next year.
From May next year, all instant-noodle packets that do not contain any actual pieces of beef, seafood or other items that the product name suggests are found in the packet will only be allowed to be called “soup noodles,” or “flavored soup noodles,” the department said.
Operators who violate the new law can be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000, according to the Food Hygiene Act (食品衛生管理法).
Liu said consumers have complained for many years about feeling “cheated” when they find the contents of instant or bowl noodles to be drastically different to that advertised.
Instead of the chunks of meat, seafood or vegetables often shown on the outer packaging, consumers usually end up with a small flavored powder spice packet and few bits of dehydrated green onion, carrots or peas.
In addition to the name, noodle makers will also be required to add a disclaimer to their packaging that clearly states the picture shown on the packaging is “for reference purposes only,” Liu said, adding that the color of the Chinese characters must be visible and different to that of the packaging.
Instant noodles are one of the most popular food items in Taiwan.
Despite their convenience, excessive consumption of instant noodles can have adverse health effects because of the high level of sodium contained in most products.
The Taiwan Cancer Society also lists instant noodles as one of the foods to be avoided for those concerned about childhood obesity.
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