TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese chicken producers are advocating for stricter labeling regulations, similar to those imposed on pork and beef. During a recent R.O.C. Poultry Association meeting, proposals were put forth to require the labeling of chicken and egg product origins in dining establishments, mirroring existing regulations for pork and beef.
Chen Yu-che, Chairman of the Taichung City Poultry Association, has been a vocal proponent of comprehensive labeling, including for imported chicken, since 2019. At that time, he urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration to clearly indicate origin and slaughter dates.
However, this was implemented only as a trial period, which was disrupted by the pandemic.
Following the 2023 COVID-19 lockdown, the volume of imported chicken has surged significantly, reaching 230,000 tons per month, approximately half of the domestic chicken volume.
Chen pointed out that the government imported large quantities of eggs this year to address shortages, leading to quality concerns with some of the produce. Consequently, industry representatives are now calling for a reevaluation of border management methods for imported chicken, including increased inspection rates.
Chen stressed the importance of companies that import and use chicken to disclose the product's origin. Slaughter dates must also be provided for chicken entering the consumer market, and dining establishments' menus should specify the type of meat used.
