TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛生福利部) clarified on Sunday (Jan. 19) that the draft of the Prevention of Health Hazards on Betel Quid Chewing Act (檳榔健康危害防制法) aims to reduce health risks rather than ban the betel quid industry. Officials announced the draft in December 2024, mandating registration and compliance with safety and quality standards for future business operations.
The proposed legislation prohibits betel quid chewing by minors and pregnant women and designates educational, medical, and other public institutions as betel quid-free zones. Chang Yung-min (張雍敏), head of the Department of Oral Health (口腔健康司), stated that the draft mirrors the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法), prioritizing guidance over prohibition. Chang explained that betel quid is a Group 1 carcinogen confirmed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and a leading cause of oral cancer among Taiwanese people.
MOHW will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture (農業部) and other relevant agencies to develop marketing and venue promotion guidelines, inviting related groups for discussions. The draft proposal's notice period will end on Feb. 17, allowing stakeholders to express their opinions. The ministry plans to consider these inputs in refining the legislation.