Page 39 - 2023 Taiwan Food and Drug Administration Annual Report
P. 39
2Consolidated Management over
Food Safety
quantitative test method entitled “Method Analysis (5)”, the number of analytical
of Test for Pesticide Residues in Foods -
Test of Phosphine” was published. items increased from 380 to 410. TFDA also
3. For the continuous detection of ethylene
oxide in capsules and ice cream products published 31 recommended testing methods.
internationally, the “Method of Test of
Ethylene Oxide and its Reaction Product, For the “Method of Testing Pesticide Residues
2-Chloroethanol, in Foods” was revised
with the addition of applicable matrices in Foods - Multiresidue Analysis (6)”, the
- edible empty capsules and ice cream
products, and illegal products were later number of analytical items increased from 20
successfully intercepted at borders.
4. In response to the establishment of to 31, and for the “Method of Test for Pesticide
Reference Points for Action (RPA) for
malachite green (MG) by EU and the Residues in Livestock and Poultry Products
controversy over the detection of the
MG and crystal violet (CV) in grouper - Multiresidue Analysis”, those increased
exported from Taiwan to China, TFDA
advanced and published the “Method from 129 to 138, which effectively improved
of Test for Veterinary Drug Residues in
Foods - Test of Malachite Green, Crystal the testing efficiency. Meanwhile, at least 8
Violet and their Metabolites.”
5. In response to the exports of eggs to testing methods were new or were revised
Europe, TFDA advanced and published
the “Method of Test for Veterinary for food microorganisms and genetically
Drug Residues in Foods - Multiresidue
Analysis of Antiprotozoal Drugs (2)”; modified foods. In response to the “Standards
the limits of quantification in eggs for the
four drugs, including dimetridazole have for Specification, Scope, Application and
been reduced.
(II) Advancement of testing methods Limitation of Food Additives”, the liquid
In 2022, to go with testing requirements
under food-related sanitation standards, TFDA chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
promulgated or amended 28 testing methods
for pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, (LC-MS/MS) was utilized to develop the
and dioxin in foods. For the “Method of Test
for Pesticide Residues in Foods - Multiresidue “Method of Test for Thiamine Dilaurylsulfate
in Soy Sauce” for public use.
(III)Identification of toxic plants such as
Alocasia odora by the DNA molecular
biotechnology to protect public food
safety
One person tried the traditional taro cake
sold in a restaurant and developed symptoms
such as a throbbing sensation and numbness in
the mouth. The decorative leaf at the bottom
of the food was suspected to be the culprit.
TFDA applied DNA molecular biotechnology
to identify the species and clarify the cause
of poisoning. The leaf was confirmed to be
that of Alocasia odora. The weekly news
released hence included the call upon catering
businesses to confirm the accuracy of food
ingredients used and to avoid contact of the
leaves of Alocasia odora with foods.
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