Call for Clearer Milk Labeling Standards Intensifies

Lawmakers from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and dairy farmers have called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enhance content labeling rules for milk products. These stakeholders argue that the current regulations do not fully protect consumers and domestic farmers. As of last Tuesday, the FDA requires that only pure milk can be labeled as "fresh milk." However, DPP Legislator Chung Chia-pin pointed out that content labeling is still not a universal requirement, allowing potentially deceptive packaging practices.

Chung criticized some manufacturers for selling Australian imports with additives as fresh milk in misleading containers. He urged the government to adopt the European Union's stringent consumer protection standards. The FDA stated that advertising commercial-grade milk as fresh milk is against labeling laws, with violations subject to fines of up to NT$4 million (US$133,534).

Dairy farmers like Chen Tung-chieh from Gau Dah Ranch Co expressed concerns over the pressure from cheap imported milk labeled as natural milk. The need for transparency also extends to beverage manufacturers, especially those supplying school lunch programs, according to DPP Legislator Jean Kuo, highlighting the importance of making informed choices in school nutrition.