To protect the rights and interests of consumers, the Department of Consumer Protection of the Executive Yuan (hereinafter referred to as the DCP) purchased 20 samples of commercially available protein powders for testing and labeling inspection between March and April 2024. All of them met the quality testing requirements. With respect to labeling inspection, all protein content and nutrition labels are in compliance with the regulations, except for seven food labels. The local health authorities penalized them in accordance with the law and required the enterprises to make improvements.
In recent years, more people are paying attention to fitness and health in Taiwan. Not only those who engage in exercise and fitness, the elderly also choose protein powder for supplementation. In view of the rich variety and flavors of such products currently on the market, the DCP sought to understand the quality and labeling of these protein powders. It thus purchased 20 samples from brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms between March and April 2024. Quality testing (including testing for complete aflatoxins, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella) and labeling inspection (including protein content nutrition labels and food labels) were conducted. The inspection results are as follows:
I.Quality testing: In terms of testing for complete aflatoxins, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella, all met the requirements.
II.Protein content in nutrition label: All 20 products met the requirements.
III.For food label, a total of seven items were not in compliance with the regulations. Deficiencies included:
(I)The responsible (manufacturing) companies were not indicated.
(II)The nutrients were not claimed for "moderate intake" or "supplementary intake."
(III)Nutrients claimed on the package were not listed on the nutrition label.
(IV)Claims on the outer packaging were untrue, exaggerated, or misleading.
(V)The text "*Reference value not set" was not included below the nutrition label.
For violations of food labeling regulations, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare ( TFDA) not only requested local health authorities to impose penalties pursuant to the law, but also required the companies to complete and document the improvements undertaken.
The DCP reminds consumers to pay attention to whether the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, place of origin, ingredients, expiration date and nutrition labeling information are clearly and comprehensively indicated when purchasing high-protein foods. If the nutrients claimed on the packaging are not listed in nutrition labels, or claims on the package are untrue, exaggerated, or misleading, the labels are considered non-compliant. In addition, before taking high-protein foods, you may refer to the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes published by the Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (HPA) to evaluate whether the dietary protein intake has met the daily requirem