Taipei City Animal Protection Office Conducts Pet Food Inspections: Two Products Found with Excessive Heavy Metal Levels
With Lunar New Year around the corner, Taipei City Animal Protection Office (TCAPO) reminds pet owners to select properly labeled pet food when buying festive treats for their pets. In 2024, the Office conducted routine inspections of pet food available on the market and found two out of 100 products tested to contain excessive heavy metal content. The issue has been handled in accordance with Animal Protection Act, and the businesses involved have been supervised to complete the recall and disposal of the affected products. TCAPO noted that pet owners have increasingly focused on the hygiene and safety of commercial pet food in recent years. In response, the office has intensified on-site inspections and random sampling of pet food, working with professional laboratories for testing. Last year (2024), 100 pet food products were inspected, including 33 canned foods, 37 dry foods, 7 wet foods, 5 snacks, 4 fresh raw foods, 5 dental chews, 6 dairy products, and 3 nutritional supplements. A total of 375 tests were conducted for pathogens and harmful substances. The results revealed that one dry food product and one seaweed-containing nutritional supplement exceeded permissible heavy metal levels, violating Article 22-4 of the Animal Protection Act. TCAPO imposed a fine of NT$50,000 and supervised the recall and disposal of the products. One of the products, produced by an out-of-region company, has been referred to the relevant local authority for further action. Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture collaborated with local governments to conduct special inspections of pet foods such as freeze-dried and fresh raw products. Some items tested positive for Salmonella. Pet owners are reminded that improper food storage can lead to bacterial growth, which may cause health issues such as diarrhea in pets. TCAPO reported that 158 pet food products were randomly checked last year for labeling and reporting compliance. Among them, 30 products were found to have non-compliant or unreported labeling issues. All violations have been addressed in accordance with the Animal Protection Act. TCAPO also urges the public to check that packaging includes clear and complete Chinese labeling to protect their rights. Additionally, if pet food labels or advertisements are found to be false or misleading, exaggerating effects, leading to misunderstandings, violators may be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 under the Animal Protection Act. The public can visit the “Ministry of Agriculture Pet Food Reporting Website” to access product information and regulations. For details on Taipei City's pet food inspections and test results or for any inquiries, please visit the TCAPO's official website.