Starting on July 31, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is to add three types of products — vinegar, egg products and imported baby food — to its food traceability management system, which requires food companies to register the source, production or processing, and distribution of their products.
At present, 19 types of food and related products, including edible oil, processed meat, food additives, tea, seafood, soybeans, wheat and food containers, are managed through the food traceability system as part of government efforts to improve food safety for the public.
Food and Drug Administration acting section chief Chiang Chien-chi (江仟琦) said that seven edible vinegar companies, six egg product companies and 49 baby food product companies would be required to enter their information into the registry, joining 4,700 other companies in the system.
Both synthetic and brewed vinegar are included in the edible vinegar category, while egg products include liquid and powdered eggs, and imported baby food include apple sauce, juice, rice cereal and various additive non-staple foods.
Chiang said companies that fail to establish a traceability system, register false information, or do not improve their systems after being found in violation may be fined up to NT$3 million (US$96,712), or ordered to temporarily shut down their business.
PROCEDURE: Although there is already a cross-strait agreement in place for the extradition of criminals, ample notice is meant to be given to the other side first Ten Taiwanese who were involved in fraud-related crimes in China were extradited back to Taiwan via Kinmen County on Wednesday, four of whom are convicted fraudsters in Taiwan. The 10 people arrived via a ferry operating between Xiamen and Kinmen, also known as the “small three links.” The Kinmen County Prosecutors’ Office yesterday said that four of the 10 extradited people were convicted in Taiwan for committing fraud and contravening the Money Laundering Control Act (洗錢防制法), and were on the wanted list. They were immediately arrested upon arrival and sent to Kinmen Prison to serve their sentences following brief questioning, the office said.
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‘REGRETTABLE’: Travelers reported that Seoul’s online arrival card system lists Taiwan as ‘China (Taiwan),’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday urged South Korea to correct the way Taiwan is listed in its newly launched e-Arrival card system, saying the current designation downgrades the nation’s status. South Korea rolled out the online system on Feb. 24 to gradually replace paper arrival cards, which it plans to phase out by next year. Travelers must complete the electronic form up to 72 hours before entering the country. The ministry said it has received multiple complaints from Taiwanese travelers saying that the system lists Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” in dropdown menus for both “place of departure” and “next
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