The weather in summer is sweltering, and many people choose to have iced desserts to beat the heat and quench their thirst. In order to continuously ensure the sanitation and safety of iced desserts for consumers during summer months, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) initiated “2019 Random Inspection Project for Freshly Made Iced Desserts”. Jointly with Public Health Bureaus under local governments, the project was conducted with on-site audits and products sampling and testing in ice stores that offer freshly made iced desserts.

 The focuses of inspection in this project included the compliance with the Regulations Govering the Registration of Food Businesses, the Regulation on Good Hygiene Practice for Food (GHP), iced desserts and related products sampling and testing. The testing items included indicator bacteria, preservatives, colorants and maleic acid and maleic anhydride. Those who were found to be violating provisions of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation would be dealt according to the law.

TFDA reminds consumers to pay more attention to the hygiene of staffs on-site, the operation sites, and the containers while purchasing iced desserts. Consumers are advised not to purchase products at insufficiently cool storage temperature. Once purchased, iced desserts should be consumed as soon as possible or preserved properly to prevent bacteria growth. TFDA also recommends food businesses to implement self-management by following the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation to ensure food safety and sanitation, and protect the health of  consumers.