New Dairy Labeling Regulations: Only Products with Domestic Label Can Be Labeled as "Fresh Milk" from July 1

(CNA, Reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 30) With a wide variety of dairy products available, the Ministry of Agriculture is strengthening market segmentation by stipulating that only products obtaining the domestic label can be labeled as "fresh milk" starting July 1. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will cooperate by amending the term "fresh milk" to "marketed animal milk," and the product name should be labeled as "cow's milk," "goat's milk," or other equivalent terms. Violators may face fines of up to NT$4 million.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced new regulations for July today. Among them, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced amendments to the "Regulations on the Names and Labeling of Sterilized Milk, Flavored Milk, Milk Drinks, and Milk Powder," with the title amended to "Regulations on the Names and Labeling of Marketed Animal Milk, Sterilized Milk, Flavored Milk, Milk Drinks, and Milk Powder."

According to the Taiwan-New Zealand Economic Cooperation Agreement, New Zealand dairy products imported into Taiwan will be tariff-free starting in 2025. At that time, the dairy industry was concerned that labeling them as "long-life fresh milk" could be confusing. After extensive discussions, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have amended related dairy regulations. Starting July 1 this year, only domestically produced cow's and goat's milk that has obtained the label can be called "fresh milk."

The FDA explained that the original term "fresh milk" has been amended to "marketed animal milk." The product name should be labeled as "cow's milk," "goat's milk," "O (other animal) milk," or other equivalent terms. Only those who obtain the "Fresh Milk Label" issued by the central agricultural competent authority or the "Verification Label" under the "Act for the Administration of Agricultural Product Production and Certification" may be labeled as "fresh milk."

The FDA stated that this case was announced on June 3, 2025, with a grace period until July 1 this year. Based on the product's manufacturing date, products can continue to be sold until their expiration date, to reduce the costs incurred by businesses for modifying packaging labels or replacing packaging materials after the new regulations take effect.

Hsu Chao-kai, head of the FDA's Food Safety Department, added that false labeling is subject to a fine of NT$40,000 to NT$4 million according to the Food Safety Act.

In addition, nearly a thousand various cosmetic manufacturing sites across Taiwan will be required to comply with GMP standards starting July 1 (excluding solid handmade soap manufacturers that are exempt from factory registration). Manufacturing sites that comply with GMP must follow compliant Product Information Files (PIF). For the ingredients and their content listed in the PIF, clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and detailed records must be maintained for every step, from raw material weighing, ingredient addition, mixing and stirring during the manufacturing process, to filling, packaging, and finished product inspection.

The FDA pointed out that according to the "Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Administration Act," businesses that fail to establish and maintain PIF as required may be fined from NT$10,000 to NT$1 million, and may be ordered to make corrections within a specified period, with penalties applied for each offense. Non-compliant products will also face suspension of supply, sales, or recall orders. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150630

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