New Taipei City sampled 2 items of snack food for school children and found they did not match the label

During the school summer vacation, the New Taipei City Government Health Bureau randomly sampled 8 pieces of chocolate and 8 pieces of candy that are popular among schoolchildren in hypermarkets, mass merchandisers, and chain supermarkets. It was found that although the food coloring used in 1 piece of chocolate and 1 piece of candy was legal, it did not match the packaging label. After investigation, it was found that the source of the goods was from businesses in other counties and cities. The case has been referred to the health bureau of the county and city under its jurisdiction for investigation. If the investigation proves to be true, a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 may be imposed in accordance with Article 17 of the Food Sanitation Management Act.

Health Department inspectors found a candy jar of school children's snack food at a hypermarket that did not match the label. (Photo courtesy of New Taipei City Health Bureau)

Lin Guanzhen, chief of the Food and Drug Administration of the Health Bureau, pointed out that the random inspection this time was for chocolates and candies that schoolchildren love to eat to test for preservatives and colorings. Among them, "Chocolate Beans" were found to contain food coloring (Yellow No. 4 and Yellow No. 5), and "Sugar No. yam" was found to contain food coloring (Blue No. 1 and Red No. 7). Both items did not match the labels on the packaging.

The Department of Health stressed that although the chocolate and candy food colorings all passed the inspection, Food and Drug Administration Section Chief Lin Guanzhen still reminded the public that they should try to avoid buying foods with bright or strange colors, and be sure to pay attention to the coloring listed on the label to see whether the added coloring is legal food coloring.

The Health Bureau inspected a piece of chocolate that children love and found that one piece did not match the label. (Photo courtesy of New Taipei City Health Bureau)

Currently available food colorings include Red No. 6, No. 7, No. 40, Yellow No. 4, No. 5, Green No. 3, Blue No. 1, No. 2, etc. Please do not purchase any product that is unclearly labeled or is an illegal coloring.