Page 95 - 2018食藥署年報(英文版)

4. Terminates rumors by advocating “Stop, Listen and Check”

Many unproven folk remedies can cause harm. TFDA encourages people to establish a
healthy lifestyle, exercise adequately, maintain a healthy weight, and get correct information for
nutrition intake.
TFDA promotes a 3-step tip “Stop, Listen and Check” to eradicate rumors. The first step
is to “Stop the Repost of Rumors.” When the messages are not clarified for validity, stop spreading
the messages so that the rumors would not be spread. The second step is to “Read and Learn from
Accurate Information.” People should go straight to the “Rumor Buster” web page, check answers

from similar rumors, gain the correct knowledge, and clarify the truth. The third step is to “Listen
to Experts’ Advice to Clarify Doubts.” When people see health-related rumors, they should first
consult the doctors for clarification. It is essential to follow doctors’ advice in terms of treatment.
Do not believe in folk remedies or false advices, which may delay the best timing for treatment.
Also, never pass unverified information to friends and families.

Outcomes and Benefits

Currently, more than 300 articles have
been posted on the Rumor Buster’s web page in
response to the rumors. Among them, articles

on food-related rumors account for about 60%,
followed by drugs, cosmetics, and medical
devices in the sequential order. TFDA official
website has now accumulated 3.9 million visitors;
articles are being referenced more than 1900 times
by the national, internal and electronic platforms
(Figure 6-2). Moreover, in order to allow the

correct information to reach to the public, TFDA
uses its official website, Facebook fan pages
(Food utility players, Good Articles of Food and
Drugs and other media platforms), easy debriefing
packages, images and vibrant clips.
TFDA will continue to provide information
on various food and drugs topics in response to
the up rise of mobile commination apps, internet Figure 6-2 Diverse pathway to Obtain
Accurate Food and Drug
forums, and social media. People are welcomed Information
to repost the information the TFDA provides with
families and friends, and be smart consumers.

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