Control Yuan criticizes heavy metal detection in goji berries; TFDA promises enhanced inspections
The Consumer Protection Association of Taiwan found heavy metals in all 30 samples of goji berries tested. Control Yuan members criticized the TFDA for insufficient oversight. The TFDA responded that it follows international standards and will strengthen border and market inspections.
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- 📰 Published: May 31, 2026 at 19:13
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The Consumer Protection Association of Taiwan sampled 30 goji berry products on the market and found heavy metals in all of them. Control Yuan members Tian Chiu-chin and Tsai Chung-yi criticized the Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) for inadequate inspections. The TFDA responded today that its management of heavy metals in food aligns with international standards and that it will continue to ensure food safety through border inspections and post-market surveillance.
In a press release, the Control Yuan members noted that the Consumer Protection Association announced last August that all 30 samples of goji berries tested positive for cadmium and lead. They criticized the TFDA for relying on data from online forums to deem products compliant without conducting follow-up inspections. They argued that since current heavy metal limits only apply to fresh goji berries, the TFDA must review how it calculates limits for dried products.
In a statement to the media this evening, the TFDA explained the conversion of standard values, noting that Taiwan's management principles for heavy metals in food are consistent with those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the European Union. For products that have undergone drying, the applicable limits should be calculated based on the drying rate.
The TFDA stated that when health authorities conduct inspections of dried fruits, they can require businesses to provide the product's drying rate or perform calculations based on standard moisture content data.
Regarding the difference in standards compared to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the TFDA explained that because the dosage, frequency, and target population for TCM differ significantly from food, the evaluation and management principles—and thus the standards—are different.
The TFDA pointed out that for substances without established food standards, such as arsenic and mercury, it can still determine case-by-case management measures based on actual risk assessments. It will continue to uphold scientific principles, conduct risk-based border inspections, and perform post-market surveillance to ensure public safety.
In a press release, the Control Yuan members noted that the Consumer Protection Association announced last August that all 30 samples of goji berries tested positive for cadmium and lead. They criticized the TFDA for relying on data from online forums to deem products compliant without conducting follow-up inspections. They argued that since current heavy metal limits only apply to fresh goji berries, the TFDA must review how it calculates limits for dried products.
In a statement to the media this evening, the TFDA explained the conversion of standard values, noting that Taiwan's management principles for heavy metals in food are consistent with those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the European Union. For products that have undergone drying, the applicable limits should be calculated based on the drying rate.
The TFDA stated that when health authorities conduct inspections of dried fruits, they can require businesses to provide the product's drying rate or perform calculations based on standard moisture content data.
Regarding the difference in standards compared to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the TFDA explained that because the dosage, frequency, and target population for TCM differ significantly from food, the evaluation and management principles—and thus the standards—are different.
The TFDA pointed out that for substances without established food standards, such as arsenic and mercury, it can still determine case-by-case management measures based on actual risk assessments. It will continue to uphold scientific principles, conduct risk-based border inspections, and perform post-market surveillance to ensure public safety.
FAQ
Is goji berry in Taiwan safe?
Recent reports found heavy metals in some samples, prompting the government to tighten inspection protocols.