Can Sprouted and Rotten American Potatoes Be Imported? FDA: Must Be Discarded Whole

The Central News Agency reported on April 17 that regarding food safety of imported processed potatoes from the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today pointed out that if rotten, sprouted, or exceeding solanine standards, the entire potato must be discarded according to law and cannot be processed after cutting. Currently, all U.S. and Australian products have passed border inspections, and the FDA will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure safety. The Office of the United States Trade Representative's "2026 National Trade Estimate Report" mentioned Taiwan's goal to allow the import of sprouted or rotten sliced potatoes, which raised public concerns. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration issued a press release today clarifying that processing potatoes (chipping potato, processing potato) imported into Taiwan must comply with the quarantine conditions set by the Ministry of Agriculture. Upon arrival, they must also pass border inspections and post-market sampling. If any violations of hygiene standards are found, such as decay or solanine content exceeding limits, the entire potato must be discarded, and it is not permissible to simply cut off the decayed or sprouted parts. Hsu Chao-Kai, head of the FDA's Food Division, explained in a media interview that the potatoes mentioned in point 53 of the Taiwan-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement are imported "whole." If rot, mold, or sprouts are found, the entire potato will be removed before entering the processing plant, and it is strictly forbidden to process them after merely cutting off the necrotic parts. Regarding hygiene standards, Hsu Chao-Kai stated that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has established "Hygiene Standards for Contaminants and Toxins in Food," which sets the limit for solanine (total glycoalkaloids) at 200 ppm or less. If border inspections find an exceedance, the entire potato will also be destroyed or returned. According to FDA statistics, the United States is the largest source of potato imports to Taiwan, accounting for 87.29%, followed by Australia at 12.7%. Hsu Chao-Kai cited last year as an example, stating that 13 batches of U.S. and Australian imported potatoes were sampled at the border, and all inspection results were compliant, with no solanine exceedances found. He added that the FDA will continue to cooperate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture on two major points: quarantine and food safety, conducting comprehensive monitoring from border inspections to post-market sampling. He emphasized that the current hygiene standards and border control measures have not changed. Whether it is a sprouting issue in quarantine or solanine exceedance in food safety, the government will strictly enforce the law. The FDA also reminds consumers to choose potatoes with smooth skin, firm texture, and no greening or sprouts, and to store them in a cool, dry place. If potatoes are found to be sprouted or rotten, do not peel and eat them to save money; they should be discarded directly for safety.