Taipei City Inspects Tea and Herbal Teas: 7 Violations Found, 4 of which are Rose Teas
The Taipei City Department of Health today released the results of its 2026 inspection of teas and herbal teas, revealing that 7 out of 49 samples failed due to pesticide residues. Rose teas accounted for 4 of these non-compliant items. The department ordered the removal of these products from shelves and advised consumers to be cautious.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 15:34
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 16:01 (27 min after Published)
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(Central News Agency reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, 27th) The Taipei City Department of Health today announced the results of its 2026 inspection of teas and herbal teas. A total of 49 samples were taken, including 26 tea leaves and 23 herbal teas. Seven samples were found to be non-compliant due to pesticide residues, including 4 rose teas, and one each of white chrysanthemum, butterfly pea flower, and calendula.
The Department of Health held a routine press conference today to release the inspection results for teas and herbal teas. For the seven non-compliant products, vendors at the sales locations were ordered to remove them from shelves and cease sales. Consumers were also reminded that in addition to brewing tea with water above 80 degrees Celsius, pouring away the first brew can help avoid ingesting residual pesticides. They should also choose products from reputable vendors or those with labels issued by agricultural authorities to ensure food safety.
The Department of Health explained that for the 4 non-compliant rose teas and 1 calendula, since they originated from vendors outside Taipei City, the cases have been transferred to the respective health bureaus for handling according to their authority. For the remaining cases involving Taipei City vendors, if violations are confirmed after investigation, penalties will be imposed according to law.
The Department of Health urged upstream importers of tea to establish food safety monitoring plans and conduct self-inspections, regularly sending raw materials, semi-finished products, or finished products for testing. Midstream and downstream vendors should retain proof of origin for products sold to facilitate traceability management.
The Department of Health added that products violating the "Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits" will be fined NT$60,000 to NT$200,000,000 according to the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act." If the source cannot be accounted for, the selling vendor will be fined NT$30,000 to NT$3,000,000 under the same act. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 20260427
The Department of Health held a routine press conference today to release the inspection results for teas and herbal teas. For the seven non-compliant products, vendors at the sales locations were ordered to remove them from shelves and cease sales. Consumers were also reminded that in addition to brewing tea with water above 80 degrees Celsius, pouring away the first brew can help avoid ingesting residual pesticides. They should also choose products from reputable vendors or those with labels issued by agricultural authorities to ensure food safety.
The Department of Health explained that for the 4 non-compliant rose teas and 1 calendula, since they originated from vendors outside Taipei City, the cases have been transferred to the respective health bureaus for handling according to their authority. For the remaining cases involving Taipei City vendors, if violations are confirmed after investigation, penalties will be imposed according to law.
The Department of Health urged upstream importers of tea to establish food safety monitoring plans and conduct self-inspections, regularly sending raw materials, semi-finished products, or finished products for testing. Midstream and downstream vendors should retain proof of origin for products sold to facilitate traceability management.
The Department of Health added that products violating the "Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits" will be fined NT$60,000 to NT$200,000,000 according to the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act." If the source cannot be accounted for, the selling vendor will be fined NT$30,000 to NT$3,000,000 under the same act. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 20260427