Internet Rumors Claim Imports of Sprouted Potatoes Will Be Allowed; DPP: No Compromise on Food Safety Oversight
The DPP firmly denied online rumors about allowing the import of sprouted potatoes, emphasizing that the government maintains three strict food safety barriers and will not compromise on public health.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 12:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 13:00 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 13:29 (29 min after Collected)
Fan Yun, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus, held a public opinion response press conference at the Legislative Yuan this morning, stating that the government absolutely does not compromise on food and food safety, emphasizing that this is unequivocally the DPP's most important stance.
Fan Yun pointed out that from the import of potatoes to their consumption, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) maintains strict barriers at three levels. First, sprout prevention measures must be implemented before arrival in Taiwan. Second, the widespread internet rumors that sprouted parts flow into the market absolutely cannot be allowed to happen. Rotten, moldy, and sprouted potatoes are discarded whole and cannot be processed; they will absolutely not flow into processing plants and the market.
Fan Yun stated that there is a final line of defense, which is random inspections in the market after they are listed. They must meet hygiene standards for food contaminants and toxins, which are general food hygiene standards. For the above three barriers, the central government will fully cooperate with local governments. She also urged the public to help clarify the massive amount of disinformation on the internet.
Chen Pei-yu, Deputy Secretary-General of the caucus, mentioned media reports alleging that the husband of a Kuomintang (KMT) councilor was suspected of "altering labels" on ingredients, "washing the origin" of ingredients originally imported from China, or attaching false labels before selling them in the market, and even introducing them into school lunches. She pointed out that this behavior by certain unscrupulous private operators is what the public across Taiwan should care about, and such people should not be allowed to get away with doing bad things.
Chen Pei-yu stated that the government must absolutely not compromise on any food safety issues, and the Executive Yuan as well as city and county governments should strictly guard the gates. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150420
Fan Yun pointed out that from the import of potatoes to their consumption, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) maintains strict barriers at three levels. First, sprout prevention measures must be implemented before arrival in Taiwan. Second, the widespread internet rumors that sprouted parts flow into the market absolutely cannot be allowed to happen. Rotten, moldy, and sprouted potatoes are discarded whole and cannot be processed; they will absolutely not flow into processing plants and the market.
Fan Yun stated that there is a final line of defense, which is random inspections in the market after they are listed. They must meet hygiene standards for food contaminants and toxins, which are general food hygiene standards. For the above three barriers, the central government will fully cooperate with local governments. She also urged the public to help clarify the massive amount of disinformation on the internet.
Chen Pei-yu, Deputy Secretary-General of the caucus, mentioned media reports alleging that the husband of a Kuomintang (KMT) councilor was suspected of "altering labels" on ingredients, "washing the origin" of ingredients originally imported from China, or attaching false labels before selling them in the market, and even introducing them into school lunches. She pointed out that this behavior by certain unscrupulous private operators is what the public across Taiwan should care about, and such people should not be allowed to get away with doing bad things.
Chen Pei-yu stated that the government must absolutely not compromise on any food safety issues, and the Executive Yuan as well as city and county governments should strictly guard the gates. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150420