As pet ownership continues to rise, pet food safety has become a growing concern. The Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office of the New Taipei City Government announced inspection results, showing that a total of 316 commercially available pet food products were checked. These included feed, canned food and snacks, with tests covering Salmonella, Listeria, pathogenic E. coli and heavy metals. A total of 7 products were found non-compliant and have been removed from shelves, recalled and destroyed to prevent further circulation.
Further inspections also revealed gaps in labeling and reporting. Some products had inaccurate nutritional information, exaggerated advertising claims or even improper claims of therapeutic effects. In addition, 106 products failed to fully comply with labeling requirements or registration procedures. Businesses have been ordered to make corrections within a specified period, and failure to comply may result in fines of up to NT$150,000.
When purchasing pet food, the clarity of product information is a key factor. Authorities recommend checking product data and records through the pet food registration system before purchase, and reviewing Chinese labeling on packaging. This includes confirming ingredient sources, additives, nutritional content, manufacturers and country of origin to reduce the risk of buying problematic products.
Consumers are also advised to choose products with clear origins and stable distribution channels, and to ensure that nutritional labeling meets the needs of their pets, such as appropriate protein, fat and vitamin levels. Products with damaged packaging, swollen cans or unusual odors should be avoided. If consumers have concerns about product quality or identify suspected violations, they can report them through official hotlines to reduce food safety risks.