They include rules on nutrition labeling on infant formula products; fluorine-content labeling on salt products; and “friendly” egg production labeling; while Antrodia camphorata — a fungus endemic to Taiwan — must pass a toxicity test before being used in food products.
The labeling rules are to take effect tomorrow and the toxicity test of antrodia camphorata is to be introduced on July 11.
FDA Food Safety official Hsu Chao-kai (許朝凱) said that saturated fats, trans fats and sugar content are to be included on labels for infant formula and specialty diet food, while the format is to follow guidelines for general food products.
A warning label informing consumers that special dietary products are for people with particular nutritional needs is required so people do not mistakenly purchase them, Hsu said.
To prevent tooth decay, Taiwan introduced salt fluoridation as suggested by the World Health Assembly and national governments, Hsu said, adding that the regulations limit fluoride content in salt to 200 parts per million, while labeling should state that people should consult a dentist before combining fluoridated salt with fluoride tablets.
Hsu said that in line with the Council of Agriculture’s “friendly eggs production system,” egg producers will be required to specify the conditions chickens are kept in, such as “enriched cage,” “barn” or “free-range.”
Products manufactured after Friday must conform to the new regulations or producers face fines of between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million (US$928 and US$92,756), Hsu said.
The FDA said that to ensure food safety, food companies must submit a 90-day toxicity testing report, along with a detailed processing and manufacturing procedure, to the FDA before using A camphorata as an ingredient.
Food companies that fail to submit the documents face a fine of between NT$60,000 and NT$200 million, it said.
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