The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the modified maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides on June 24. The MRLs for 247 pesticides were added or modified after the overall conditions of pesticide residues in agricultural products in Taiwan were taken into consideration and after reference was taken from international standards (CODEX), the risk of dietary intake of pesticide residues among Taiwanese people was assessed, a review was conducted by an expert committee, and a discussion was held with the Council of Agriculture under the Executive Yuan. Moreover, relevant MRLs were modified according to the quantification limits of the recently announced pesticide residue testing methods, and the names and classes of some of the products of crops were changed for clarification purposes. 
This modification was made primarily due to the fact that different geographic conditions, climates, crops, types of blight, and uses and targets of pesticides in different countries have resulted in different MRLs set for pesticides by different countries even though the same pesticides are used. As any trace of pesticides detected in agricultural products in Taiwan is likely to affect the production and sales of agricultural products and deflate consumer confidence, modifications were made on the premise that the intake levels are safe for Taiwanese people, so as to push reasonable regulations forward in Taiwan. 
A notice on the commencement of the public comment period for relevant drafts was issued on January 15, 2015. During the public comment period, a number of comments were received, most of which suggested that the MRLs for pesticides should be aligned with international standards, and that the relatively strict standards for tea and the inadequate standards for minor crops such as sesame, spices, and herbs in Taiwan should be expanded and modified according to the standards established by the European Union and Japan. Differences between local standards and the standards set by the countries to which such agricultural products are exported should be taken into account to avoid adverse impact on trade. There were also suggestions that standards for fruit juices should be established based on the actual monitoring data and the knowledge that levels of pesticide residues are possibly reduced during the processing, since it has been an international norm to refer to the standards for whole fruits when setting standards for fruit juices. This modification was then made according to the international standards and with international scientific data about the changes in the amount of pesticide residues during the processing stage taken into account. The MRLs were also studied and modified with the safety of Taiwanese people as the priority. After taking into account the suggestions received from all sectors, further scientific evidence has been requested for continuous assessment and modification. If the use of pesticides in Taiwan is suggested, an application should be first filed with the Council of Agriculture under the Executive Yuan for approval and registration. If the establishment of MRLs is suggested for agricultural imports, an application may be submitted to the FDA along with relevant scientific data. 
The FDA will continue to monitor the pesticide residues in agricultural products on the market pursuant to the established MRLs for pesticides. If any violation of the MRLs for pesticides is found, a fine between NT$60,000 and NT$200,000,000 will be imposed in accordance with Subparagraph 5, Paragraph 1, Article 15 and Subparagraph 2, Paragraph 1, Article 44 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. Moreover, local health departments and agricultural authorities will join forces to investigate the sources of supply and causes of residues and handle violations according to law, thereby ensuring food safety.