TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) issued a renewed warning on Wednesday, emphasizing its stringent regulations regarding the importation of live seafood, specifically Chinese mitten crabs. This came after recent reports of a shipment contaminated with dangerous levels of dioxin, a toxic chemical compound, highlighting the administration’s commitment to ensuring food safety and public health.
TFDA’s Stern Reminder on Regulations for Live Seafood Imports
The TFDA’s warning underscores Taiwan’s strict import regulations for live food products with a short shelf life. In particular, the TFDA highlighted its longstanding policies regarding the importation of Chinese mitten crabs, a delicacy popular in Taiwan but subject to high levels of scrutiny.
In early November, 14.6 metric tons of Chinese mitten crabs imported from China were intercepted at Taiwan’s border due to excessive dioxin residue levels. This incident, first made public on December 1, resulted in the shipment being confiscated and either returned or destroyed.
Dioxin Contamination Puts Importers on Notice
The batch of mitten crabs was found to contain a dangerous amount of dioxins, chemicals that are known carcinogens. Experts warn that exposure to dioxin can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver damage, skin disorders, and even an increased risk of cancer and immune system damage, especially in the case of prolonged exposure.
While the contaminated shipment was isolated, it sparked concerns about food safety, prompting the TFDA to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy regarding such risks. Since 2007, all Chinese mitten crab imports have been subject to 100 percent inspection, but this case served as a clear reminder that violators of the rules will face severe consequences.
Security Deposits Raised to Ensure Compliance
As part of efforts to curb violations, Taiwan raised the security deposit requirement for importers of live seafood products after an incident in 2018, in which mitten crabs were found in local markets without undergoing proper border inspections. The new deposit, which is now four times the retail price of the crabs, serves as a deterrent for businesses attempting to circumvent Taiwan’s import regulations.
TFDA Deputy Director-General Lin Chin-fu explained in a routine press conference on Wednesday that businesses which flout regulations by attempting to import products illegally would risk losing their substantial security deposits. These stringent rules are intended to protect consumers from unsafe products entering the market.
Importation Process and Risk of Violations
Under current regulations, importers of live seafood and perishable items must apply for a guarantee pledge to import their goods. These products are then subject to inspection by the TFDA at designated locations. If the products pass the inspection, they are cleared for sale in Taiwan. If they fail, they are either returned to the country of origin or destroyed, and the security deposit is confiscated.
The TFDA’s regulations for Chinese mitten crabs are especially strict, given the potential health risks posed by contaminants like dioxin. If crabs from a specific farm are found to contain unsafe levels of dioxin, that farm is banned from exporting to Taiwan. Re-importation can only resume once the farm undergoes a complete inspection, which, due to the delicate cross-straight relations, is unlikely to be conducted by Taiwanese authorities.
Table: Key Regulations for Chinese Mitten Crab Imports
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Four times the retail price of the crabs |
| Inspection Requirement | 100% of all Chinese mitten crab imports are subject to border inspections |
| Contaminant Found | Dioxin, a confirmed carcinogen, discovered in a recent batch of crabs |
| Consequence of Violations | Confiscation of security deposit, destruction, or return of the goods |
| Inspection History | Chinese mitten crabs have been inspected at Taiwan’s borders since 2007 |
| Dioxin Risk | Short-term exposure can cause liver damage and skin disorders; long-term exposure increases cancer risks |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the TFDA’s stance on Chinese mitten crabs?
A: The TFDA maintains strict regulations for importing Chinese mitten crabs, including mandatory inspections for contaminants like dioxin. Since 2007, all mitten crabs have been subject to 100 percent border inspections.
Q: What happens if a shipment of crabs fails to meet Taiwan’s standards?
A: If mitten crabs fail to meet safety standards, the shipment is confiscated and either returned or destroyed. The importers also face losing their security deposit, which is four times the retail price.
Q: Why is dioxin a concern in mitten crabs?
A: Dioxin is a known carcinogen that can cause serious health issues, including liver damage, immune system suppression, and increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure. It poses significant risks to pregnant women and vulnerable populations.
Q: How does Taiwan ensure that mitten crabs are safe?
A: Taiwan ensures safety by requiring that all mitten crabs be inspected at the border for contaminants like dioxin. Additionally, farms that fail inspections are banned from exporting to Taiwan, and re-importation is only allowed after a thorough inspection.
Q: What are the security deposit requirements for importers?
A: Since 2018, importers are required to pay a security deposit that is four times the retail price of the crabs. This measure aims to deter businesses from illegally importing contaminated products.
