September 17, 2020

Taiwan updates pork labeling regulations following lifting of import ban on US meat

Following Taiwan's recent lifting of a ban on meat imports from the United States, the country's health authorities have moved to update pork labeling regulations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a series of notices on September 17 to clarify pork product labeling requirements. Starting January 1 next year, all pork products, fresh or processed, must have their country of origin clearly stated.

The rule applies to fresh pork, braised pork rice, pork balls or any edible part of the hog. Supermarkets, retailers, traditional markets, restaurants and stalls have to comply with the regulations, the FDA said.

This backtracked from a previous notice, which stated labeling for lard in pork products would not be mandatory unless the product itself is lard, which triggered a public outcry, according to CNA.

The move is seen as the Taiwanese government's effort to address the controversy over the import of US pork, which will include those containing the leanness promoting feed additive, ractopamine.

- Taiwan News