Starting December 31 of this year, aquatic food factories, meat processing factories, dairy processing factories, food additive manufacturers and importers, and special nutritional food suppliers (that have completed the inspection and registration) will be required to conduct their own tests or commission a testing agency to conduct tests on the raw materials, semi-finished products, or end products that are required to be tested according to the announcements using the testing methods that are announced by the government or internationally recognized. Those that fail to carry out the mandatory testing as required could face a fine of up to $3 million pursuant to the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hereby urges relevant food businesses to arrange and carry out the testing as soon as possible to avoid penalties. 

For more complete protection of food safety and sanitation, a three-level food safety and quality assurance concept that emphasizes self-discipline among businesses, certification by institutions, and inspection by government has been incorporated into the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The first-level quality assurance refers to the implementation of self-management by food businesses. In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations such as the Regulations on Good Hygiene Practice for Food, businesses may confirm the safety and sanitation of their raw materials, semi-finished products, and end products by means of self-testing. To reinforce businesses’ responsibility of self-management, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced the mandatory testing for the crucial items regarding raw materials, semi-finished products, and end products for different industries in multiple stages in accordance with Article 7 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. 

With the promulgation of the Food Businesses Subject to Testing, Minimum Testing Cycles, and Other Relevant Matters on August 21, 2014 and the promulgation of the Minimum Testing Cycles and Other Relevant Matters for the Testing Required for Edible Oils and Fats Manufacturers on October 24, 2014, so far the MOHW has required six industries, namely aquatic food factories, meat processing factories, dairy processing factories, food additive manufacturers and importers, special nutritional food suppliers (that have completed the inspection and registration), and edible oils and fats manufacturers with a capital of at least $30 million, to carry out mandatory testing. The requirement for edible oils and fats manufacturers with a capital of at least $30 million took effect on October 31, 2014, while the requirement for the other five industries will come into force on December 31, 2014. The FDA has collected explanations on the questions raised by food businesses concerning the mandatory testing announcements and added them to the relevant Q&A section to clarify the promulgated regulations regarding mandatory testing. Please browse the Services Section on the Chinese version of FDA’s official website (www.fda.gov.tw) > Food > Food Q&A for a better understanding.