Gift-giving, an essential tradition during festive seasons, symbolizes goodwill and appreciation. The practice dates back to the Book of Rites which states: “Reciprocity is the essence of propriety. To give without receiving, or to receive without giving, is against etiquette.” In Taiwan, fruit gift boxes are a popular choice for holiday presents and visiting patients. As such, selecting safe and high-quality products is key.

The pesticides residues in fruits and vegetables is a prevalent issue of concern in common households. Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts rigorous checks on imported produce to ensure compliance with the Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods. These products undergo random testing upon arrival, and any that exceed permitted pesticide levels or contain unauthorized substances are either returned or destroyed in accordance with regulations. In cases of repeated violations, inspection frequencies may be increased, and should non-compliance remains rampant, import inspections may be suspended until the exporting country provides a satisfactory explanation and subsequent corrective measures.

The FDA continuously updates its monitoring processes based on the latest pesticide residue standards and publishes information on non-compliant food products on its official website. When purchasing fruits and vegetables, consumers can opt for in season options, choose products from trusted sources, or look for pesticide residue certifications. Additionally, the FDA periodically issues news updates and announcements

(https://www.fda.gov.tw/UnsafeFood/UnsafeFood.aspx) to inform the public about potential risks associated with imported produce and to track non-compliant products.