Ministry of Health and Welfare: All pork products should clearly label the place of origin of the pork raw material

The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that regarding the media report on the 3rd that a mutton hot pot stall had also put up a "Taiwan Pork" label, upon investigation, because the shop sells pork products, in accordance with regulations, it clearly labels the country of origin of the pork, and there is no confusion as the media claimed.

The Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (hereinafter referred to as the FDA of the Ministry of Health and Welfare) once again emphasized that starting from this year (2021), all foods containing pork raw materials, whether packaged, bulk, or sold in directly supplied food and beverage establishments, should label the place of origin of the pork and edible parts of pork used in accordance with regulations. Failure to label in accordance with regulations may result in a fine of 30,000 to 3 million yuan; those who make false labels may be fined 40,000 to 4 million yuan.

As for the labeling method adopted by food businesses, the form and method are not restricted. They may use the labeling examples published and provided by the FDA of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, or make their own labels. It is only necessary for the text to be clearly understandable, simple and clear to consumers, and honestly labeled.

In order to implement origin labeling of pork and its edible parts by the food industry, the FDA of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has successively held multiple labeling regulation briefings, produced self-study videos on labeling, promotional leaflets and posters, sample labeling stickers, Q&A collections, and other related materials, and has also placed sample labeling stickers on the agency's website for everyone to download and use. Starting from 2021, inspection and sampling testing will be strengthened, and meat source information will be cross-checked to confirm the accuracy of labeling, achieving "source management and clear labeling" in order to enhance the public's right to know.