New Olive Oil Labeling Rules to Take Effect Next July; Adulteration Could Lead to 7 Years in Prison, Fines of NT$80 Million

(Central News Agency, Reporter Shen Peiyao, Taipei, June 12) Amid frequent cases of olive oil adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) today announced a draft regulation for new labeling standards. In the future, product names must be labeled according to production process and quality standards. Adulteration or counterfeiting could result in up to 7 years in prison and a concurrent fine of up to NT$80 million. The draft will be open for public comment for 60 days, with the regulation expected to take effect on July 1, 2027.

In response to frequent cases of unscrupulous businesses selling low-priced oil as high-grade olive oil, the Food and Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare today announced the draft "Regulations on the Product Name and Labeling of Edible Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil."

Hsu Chao-kai, Director of the Food Division at the TFDA, told the media that current market practices often see businesses using vague terms like "pure olive oil" or "premium olive oil," making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between products. The new draft regulation clearly mandates labeling according to production process and quality standards.

The new regulation strictly divides product names into six categories: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Refined Olive Oil, Olive Oil, Refined Olive-Pomace Oil, and Olive-Pomace Oil.

Hsu stated that olive oil labeling has long been a subject of high social concern. Previously, regulations only required compliance with international naming conventions and consistency with the product's nature. However, the TFDA has been deliberating on this issue for some time. The decision to announce the new labeling system was also prompted by incidents of olive-pomace oil counterfeiting.

The new labeling regulation is scheduled to officially take effect on July 1, 2027, based on the manufacturing date. In the future, edible olive oil and olive-pomace oil products that fail to comply with the labeling requirements will be subject to fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million for violating Article 22 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. False labeling will be penalized under Article 28 of the same act, with fines ranging from NT$40,000 to NT$4 million. Packaged products must be recalled and corrected within a specified period according to Article 52.

Furthermore, food products must not be adulterated or counterfeited. If found to be in violation of Article 15, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 7 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, offenders may be subject to up to 7 years of imprisonment and a concurrent fine of up to NT$80 million, according to Article 49 of the same act. (Editor: Guan Zhongwei) 1150612