With the wide variety of tea products available on the market, the authenticity of origin has become an important consideration for many buyers. To prevent imported tea from being mixed with high-priced domestic tea and to maintain market order, the agricultural authority this year officially launched the “long-strip Baozhong tea origin identification technology,” expanding the scope of domestic tea origin testing and further strengthening traceability management and quality control.

In recent years, it has collaborated with the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Tea Research and Extension Station to promote the “Domestic Tea Inspection Project.” More than 1,000 labeling inspections and over 500 origin identifications are conducted annually. In 2021, a multi-element testing method for tea leaves was established and first applied to semi-fermented teas in semi-ball or ball shapes. Initial results showed an 18% rate of foreign tea blending. After continuous guidance and strengthened inspections, the rate dropped to 2% last year, demonstrating that the traceability system has gradually achieved results.Through multi-element testing technology, the Agriculture and Food Agency continues to refine the domestic tea traceability management system.（Photo／Provided by the Agriculture and Food Agency）

Considering the diverse forms of tea products on the market, the authority announced last year the “multi-element testing method for long-strip Baozhong tea,” incorporating long-strip Baozhong tea into the scope of origin identification. Baozhong tea is a representative specialty tea of Taiwan, mainly produced in the northern Wenshan tea region, including Pinglin, Shiding, Shenkeng, Pingxi, Xizhi, Xindian, and Sanxia in New Taipei City, as well as Nangang and Muzha in Taipei City. With the launch of the new technology, semi-ball and ball-shaped semi-fermented teas and long-strip Baozhong tea will all be included in origin verification for tea products on the market and local specialty tea competitions. Through the parallel implementation of scientific testing and systematic management, market transparency will be enhanced and the premium image of Taiwan’s domestic tea brand will be reinforced.