Page 94 - 2018食藥署年報(英文版)

Section 2 The Establishment of TFDA Rumor Buster

to Clarify Rumors

Origin of Policy

Due to the uprise of Social media and mobile communication apps, the rumors over food,
drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices are widely spread. Since those rumors can influence the
general public, TFDA establishes a “Rumor Buster” web page on the TFDA official website

(www.fda.gov.tw), to stop rumors from spreading and provide people with accurate food and drug
information, including professional advice and scientific evidence.

Implementation Measures

1. Actively collects rumors and allows open submission from the
general public

Rumors are collected through active search on the Internet and media, questions raised by
the general public through TFDA’s “Public service mailbox” or Good Articles of Food and Drug
website’s “Rumors submission box,” as well as collaborating with other external professionals.
After collecting the public’s doubts regarding foods and drugs, relevant scientific information are
compiled, and articles addressing public concern are written. Finally, before uploading the articles
online, experts from TFDA would thoroughly review the articles.

2. Consults professionals for accurate answers

Professionals from different fields, such as medical, pharmaceutical, toxicology, risk
evaluation, nutrition, food sciences, and others, are consulted for professional advice and accurate
solutions.

3. Builds instant reminders to eradicate rumors

TFDA incorporates the public concerns from the current news, for instance, imported food

from radiation-affected area during Japan’s nuclear disaster. TFDA addresses related rumors
timely and successfully attracts the general public to visit the “Rumor Buster” web page.
The TFDA also provides clarification towards repetitive rumors, such as “Food Barcodes
Starting with ‘8’ Indicate GMO,” “Mushroom Toxicity Caused 17 Deaths in Hospitals,” “Eating
Persimmon and Crab Together will Cause Toxicity,” and “MSG is Toxic,” on the “Rumor Buster”
web page. If any similar rumors emerge, people can go to either this web page or Good Articles
of Food and Drug website’s “Rumors Submission Box” to search for relevant articles. The

e-newsletter is available for subscription from TFDA official website for those who would like to
obtain first-hand information from the “Rumor Buster” web page.

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