Newsletter
HEALTH FOOD PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT LAW
In view of the wide variety of health foods offered for sale in the ROC, the Health Food Control Law came into force on 3 August 1999, aiming to improve the regulation and supervision of health food products and to protect public health and consumer rights. The first health food product permit was issued by the Department of Health (DOH) on 18 November 1999.
Under the law, health food products may only be manufactured or imported after due examination, registration, and the issuance of a permit. The law also imposes format and content requirements for product labeling, and explicitly defines the regulatory process and the powers of the regulatory authorities.
As well as seeking to prevent consumers from suffering harm due to exaggerated or misleading advertising claims about health food products or unclear labeling of them, the law provides a legal basis for government agencies (such as the DOH) to regulate such products and impose penalties. It should also end the previous lack of clarity as to whether health food products should be regulated as food or as pharmaceuticals.