BAPHIQ: Imported Processing Potatoes If Moldy or Sprouted Must Be Discarded Whole
The BAPHIQ announced strengthened quarantine measures for imported processing potatoes. If moldy or sprouted, the entire potato must be discarded, protecting food safety and domestic agriculture.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 15:55
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 16:01 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 16:06 (4 min after Collected)
TAIPEI, April 20 (CNA) -- Regarding the quarantine regulations for imported processing potatoes from the United States, which has been a point of public attention, the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) stated today that after multiple discussions between Taiwan and the US, both sides agreed to refer to Japanese practices. If imported processing potatoes are found to be moldy or sprouted after import, they must be discarded whole and not processed, ensuring food safety for the public.
The BAPHIQ issued a press release stating that the 'Import Quarantine Conditions for US-Produced Processing Potatoes,' announced and implemented in February, not only maintain the requirement of not being infected with 8 specific pests and diseases but also newly require the US side to strengthen pre-shipment sprout inhibitor application procedures and to confirm the absence of sprouts and soil during export quarantine.
In terms of food safety management, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the solanine content in imported processing potatoes must comply with the regulation of not exceeding 200ppm, which is the same standard as domestic processing potatoes, applying the same food safety requirements.
The BAPHIQ said that upon the import of US processing potatoes, if sprouts, rot, or mold are found, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be notified, and according to standard operating procedures, the potatoes will be directly sent to designated processing plants. Any potatoes with sprouts, rot, or mold upon arrival at the processing plant must be discarded and destroyed whole. Through a dual mechanism of border inspection and processing plant selection and supervision, strict control is maintained for the safety of the domestic agricultural environment and the public's food safety.
The BAPHIQ stated that similar risk management practices are adopted internationally. For example, Japan's quarantine for imported US processing potatoes requires not only the absence of specific pests and diseases and soil but also the application of sprout inhibitors. For food hygiene, it must comply with solanine and pesticide residue standards. Even if the product passes border inspection, upon entering a designated processing plant in Japan, if sprouts exceeding 0.5 cm are found during selection, the entire potato must be separated and not enter the processing line.
The BAPHIQ emphasized that Taiwan will strengthen cooperative mechanisms from pre-shipment management, border inspection, to processing plant supervision, with multiple layers of control to ensure imported potatoes comply with quarantine and food safety regulations, safeguarding domestic agricultural production safety and public health. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150420
The BAPHIQ issued a press release stating that the 'Import Quarantine Conditions for US-Produced Processing Potatoes,' announced and implemented in February, not only maintain the requirement of not being infected with 8 specific pests and diseases but also newly require the US side to strengthen pre-shipment sprout inhibitor application procedures and to confirm the absence of sprouts and soil during export quarantine.
In terms of food safety management, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that the solanine content in imported processing potatoes must comply with the regulation of not exceeding 200ppm, which is the same standard as domestic processing potatoes, applying the same food safety requirements.
The BAPHIQ said that upon the import of US processing potatoes, if sprouts, rot, or mold are found, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be notified, and according to standard operating procedures, the potatoes will be directly sent to designated processing plants. Any potatoes with sprouts, rot, or mold upon arrival at the processing plant must be discarded and destroyed whole. Through a dual mechanism of border inspection and processing plant selection and supervision, strict control is maintained for the safety of the domestic agricultural environment and the public's food safety.
The BAPHIQ stated that similar risk management practices are adopted internationally. For example, Japan's quarantine for imported US processing potatoes requires not only the absence of specific pests and diseases and soil but also the application of sprout inhibitors. For food hygiene, it must comply with solanine and pesticide residue standards. Even if the product passes border inspection, upon entering a designated processing plant in Japan, if sprouts exceeding 0.5 cm are found during selection, the entire potato must be separated and not enter the processing line.
The BAPHIQ emphasized that Taiwan will strengthen cooperative mechanisms from pre-shipment management, border inspection, to processing plant supervision, with multiple layers of control to ensure imported potatoes comply with quarantine and food safety regulations, safeguarding domestic agricultural production safety and public health. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150420