Taipei:A recall of Nissin Foods' instant noodle product in Australia due to an undeclared milk allergen does not impact Taiwan, as the versions sold there are correctly labeled, according to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA).
According to Focus Taiwan, Food Standards Australia New Zealand issued a recall notice on October 9 for "Nissin Salt and Sesame Oil Noodles Aburasoba 82g," distributed by Sweets and Beverages Australia Pty Ltd., because the product's label failed to declare milk as an allergen.
The TFDA confirmed that the product imported into Taiwan includes Chinese-language labels indicating the presence of milk, thereby avoiding the issue that led to the recall. TFDA specialist Liao Tzu-ting stated that import inspection records were up-to-date as of October 11, and the importer confirmed that all shipments to Taiwan include the necessary allergen information.
The TFDA has categorized the product with a green-light designation in its overseas food alert system, which is the lowest level of alert. Nonetheless, the agency advised Taiwanese travelers to Australia or New Zealand to refrain from purchasing or consuming the affected product during the recall.
Liao also noted that food imported into Taiwan for personal use is exempt from import inspection if shipments are valued at no more than US$1,000 and weigh no more than 6 kilograms, assuming other exemption criteria are met. However, any products imported for sale or personal-use imports exceeding these limits must undergo inspection under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, with penalties for violations.