Department of Health, Taipei City Government

With an increasing number of diners eating out every year, in order to protect consumers’ health and safety when they are enjoying ready-to-eat foods, the Taipei City Government Department of Health conducted random checks on high-risk ready-to-eat foods, including: salad, lunch boxes, Southeast Asia foods, and soy sauce shrimp/crabs. A total of 40 cases were targeted by the random check. The check results showed satisfactory compliance with the relevant requirements (see the attachement  for details).

In 2024, the Taipei City Government Department of Health conducted a random check on ready-to-eat foods at sites including general restaurants, traditional market stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets in business intensive districts and shopping areas according to statistics gathered by Taipei City Office of Commerce. The check focused on microbiological standards, and the results showed satisfactory compliance with the relevant requirements.

The Taipei City Government Department of Health calls on catering service providers and food vendors to implement the food hygiene self-management mechanism satisfactorily, and demands that food preparations and sales places comply with the Regulations on Good Hygiene Practice for Food (GHP). Workers should wash their hands thoroughly before and after preparing foods, and select fresh food ingredients. Water in direct contact with food shall meet drinking water quality standards. Knives and cutting boards for raw and ready-made foods must be separated to prevent cross-contamination. Sales volumes must be controlled properly, and food vendors should never prepare and store a large amount of food for sale. Food sales shall meet the relevant hygiene, safety and quality standards. 

The Taipei City Government Department of Health reminds consumers to buy ready-to-eat food from creditable stores situated in neat and hygienic places, and to pay attention to the color and smell of their food to make sure they are as expected. Consumers should eat ready-to-eat-food immediately after purchase to prevent excessive bacteria from growing in room temperature conditions, which can adversely affect health and safety. The Department also suggests that diners eating out should have grains, roots and tubers as their main dish; consume more vegetables and fruits; drink fresh water instead of sugary drinks; choose to steam, boil or stew foods when they are preparing foods themselves; and avoid high-calorie, high-fat and high-sodium sauces, and processed, pickled, smoked and grilled foods to maintain their health.

If you have any doubts or questions about the safety and health of foods, you may call the Taipei Citizen Hotline at 1999 (02-27208889 for residents of other counties/cities), ext. 7079. Food vendor check results may be accessed via the website of the Taipei City Government Department of Health.