Taiwan to tighten potato import checks to ensure food safety
台灣將加強對馬鈴薯進口的檢查，以確保食品安全
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Agriculture said Thursday it will tighten quarantine inspections for imported potatoes to ensure food safety and require re-export or destruction if they fail inspection, per CNA.
The ministry said that if sprouted potatoes are found during quarantine inspections, they will be sent to the health ministry for solanine testing. Deputy Agriculture Minister Hu Jong-i (胡忠一) noted that imported potatoes will be rejected or returned if sprouts exceed 5 millimeters or if solanine levels exceed 200 ppm. He added that shipments will also be re-exported or destroyed if they are found to carry regulated pests or diseases, or if heavy metal levels exceed permitted limits. Solanine is a toxin that can develop in sprouting potatoes and is not easily destroyed by cooking. In adults, intake of around 200 milligrams may trigger poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. As imported potatoes often face long transport times, sprout inhibitors are allowed for use. Taiwan has not approved the use of sprout inhibitors on domestically grown potatoes. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government may step up inspections of all imported potatoes. Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the Food and Drug Administration will test for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and solanine, but not every potato due to manpower limits. Shih said visual inspection of potatoes falls under the Agriculture Ministry. Hu noted the ministry will inspect about 60% of each batch to identify rotten, moldy, or sprouted potatoes. The FDA said it will test up to 10% of each batch for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and toxins. Under the Plant Protection and Quarantine Act, importers whose shipments fail inspection face fines ranging from NT$30,000 (US$940) to NT$150,000. At a Legislative Yuan hearing on Thursday, KMT lawmaker Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀) urged the government to ensure sufficient screening equipment to detect sprouted potatoes. She said some sprout inhibitors could pose risks such as hormone-related effects and cancer, and questioned whether Taiwan should lower the allowable residue limits. |
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| Carol Yang Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-04-23 |
