TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛服部) raised alarms over the illegal circulation of Chinese snack "wax candy" (蠟瓶糖) in local markets on Friday (Oct. 11), stressing these that these snacks lack import records and have unknown ingredients.
MOHW Deputy Minister Lin Ching-Yi (林靜儀) emphasized that Chinese-made snacks require approval under cross-strait trade regulations before entering Taiwan, making their current sale unlawful.
Lin stressed manufacturers must apply to the ministry's Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 食品藥物管理署), providing clear product details, including additives and colorants. She noted that health bureaus across Taiwan have mobilized to investigate these illicit products.
Lin warned that consuming such unidentified snacks long-term could pose health risks, particularly concerning unspecified additives that might affect reproductive and developmental health. She advised consumers to verify the source and labeling of foreign products when shopping online.
In addition to disseminating clear information to dispel false claims, Lin encouraged the public to report misinformation. She recommended regularly visiting the ministry's website or related apps to check for the latest updates on rumor clarifications.