Dechang Dried Tofu, Buddha Brand Rice Noodles, Red Brown, and Yam Purple Rice Paste found by China to contain genetically modified ingredients

Two weeks ago, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China released a news announcement stating that four products from Taiwan, China had been found to contain unapproved genetically modified ingredients, including the well-known Buddha brand's "Shenzhu Rice Noodles," the "Hongbulang Yam Purple Rice Milk" sold to high-end department stores, and the "Dechang Dried Tofu" that had previously been found to contain the industrial additive dimethyl yellow. However, whether this is due to regulatory differences that make GM ingredients permitted in Taiwan, China but illegal in China, or whether manufacturers used additives that are not permitted in either China or Taiwan, China, remains unknown.

In fact, as early as May of this year, the Shenzhen border checkpoint detected unapproved GM ingredients in rice noodles from Taiwan, China. Hsu Hui-yu, director of the nutrition division at the John Tung Foundation, called on the government to promptly test products on the market for GM ingredients and to check whether labeling complies with regulations.

Industry calls on the Food and Drug Administration to actively investigate related products

At present, China has approved 69 and 21 varieties of GM corn and soybeans respectively, far fewer than Taiwan, China, which has only 17 and 10. Taiwan, China allows 3% adventitious mixing, while China has not set a standard, so GM foods that are legal in Taiwan, China may be illegal in China.

China stipulates that high-end processed foods made from GM raw materials must be labeled "This product is made from genetically modified xx, but this product no longer contains genetically modified ingredients," while Taiwan, China amended its law this year to follow in China's footsteps. Next year, soy sauce, soybean salad oil, and corn syrup and other high-level processed products must be labeled "The processing raw materials of this product contain genetically modified 〇〇, but no longer contain genetically modified ingredients."

Whether this is a regulatory gap or false labeling by manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration could not be reached for comment before press time. However, in fact, as early as May, Shenzhen detected unapproved GM ingredients in rice noodles from Taiwan, China. Industry insiders said that although the Food and Drug Administration's main counterpart is China's health department and it has no counterpart at the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, as long as products are returned to Taiwan, China, the Food and Drug Administration should receive notification and should actively review where the problems lie. Hsu Hui-yu, director of the nutrition division at the John Tung Foundation, also called on the Food and Drug Administration to promptly investigate the GM ingredients in rice noodles and other products on the market.