Page 105 - Taiwan Food and Drug Administration 2016 Annual Report

2016 ANNUAL
REPORT

Chapter 9. Risk Communication and Consumer Protection
To minimize public fear caused by lack of information or spread of misinformation and to
improve public understanding, trust, and confidence, TFDA employs education and a diverse
selection of real-time channels to strengthen communication with consumers and media
companies and quickly provide them with professional and accurate information.

Section 1. Providing Consumers with Immediate Information

Current Status
In addition to the of?cial website (http://www.fda.gov.tw), TFDA also has various information Part II - Key Administrative Results Risk Communication and Consumer Protection
sections and services that include: Food and Drug Consumer Service Network (http://consumer.
fda.gov.tw/), Promoting Food Sanitation and Safety, Busting Myths about Food and Drugs, Illegal
Advertisement Query System for Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, and Digital Interactive Learning
Network for Correct Drug Use, allowing the public to immediately access data on food, drugs, and
cosmetics and easily acquire needed knowledge on product safety.

Policies and Outcomes
1. Busting Myths about Food and Drugs
(1) In order to bust Internet myths, TFDA established the specialized section titled Busting Myths
about Food and Drugs on its of?cial website on April 24, 2015. Experts in various ?elds were
invited to provide professional opinions on myths related to food, drugs, medical devices, and
cosmetics, using empirical science to answer and clarify every question and myth. As of the
end of 2015, 140 myths were busted, including 90 myths on food, 28 on drugs, 11 on medical
devices, and 11 on cosmetics. ?ve press articles were also published to put an end to rumors.
(2) As of the end of 2015, the two leading rumors with the highest number of views were How many
were killed by mushroom poisoning ? and Top 10 Carcinogenic Foods from LINE. Each of these
rumors were read by about 4,100 individuals and actively covered by the press, achieving
positive press coverage.
2. Use of Facebook Groups
TFDA established the Food Player Facebook Page, Sleep Tight Facebook Page, and TFDA Safe
Cosmetic Use Facebook Page that provide interesting and practical lifestyle tips and information
as well as the latest events to provide the public with accurate educational materials on health
and safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics.

3. Provision of Relevant Information Channels
(1) TFDA published a digital report titled Medical Products and Food Safety Weekly and used mobile
devices and website browsers to improve the diversity and convenience of browsing modes
and promptly disclose the latest information and top public concerns from Taiwan and other
countries.

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