News Details

On 11 November 2026 ,Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has announced a proposal to revoke the existing Method of Test for Formaldehyde in Foods (2) (MOHWA0004.03). The proposal is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of formaldehyde testing in food by replacing the existing analytical approach with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method.

Background to the Proposed Revocation

The existing testing method uses 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AHMT) derivatisation followed by spectrophotometric analysis. Although the method offers good sensitivity, its colour-development reaction can be affected by interfering substances, potentially compromising the accuracy of test results.

To address these limitations, the Ministry has already published an alternative recommended method, Method of Test for Formaldehyde in Foods (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).

The alternative method uses acetylacetone derivatisation combined with HPLC analysis to determine formaldehyde concentrations in food samples.

Key Details of the Proposed Revocation

The Ministry has provided the following information regarding the proposal:

• Regulatory authority: Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW).
• Affected testing method: Method of Test for Formaldehyde in Foods (2) (MOHWA0004.03).
• Proposed action: Formal revocation of the existing testing method.
• Reason for revocation: Potential interference during the colour-development reaction may affect the accuracy of analytical results.
• Alternative method: Method of Test for Formaldehyde in Foods (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).
• Alternative analytical technique: Acetylacetone derivatisation followed by HPLC analysis.

Overview of the Existing Testing Method

The method proposed for revocation applies to the determination of formaldehyde in food products.

Its main analytical procedures include:

• Sample preparation: Food samples are finely chopped and homogenised before analysis.
• Steam distillation: Approximately 10 g of the sample is subjected to steam distillation after acidification with phosphoric acid.
• Derivatisation: The collected sample solution reacts with AHMT and potassium periodate under alkaline conditions.
• Spectrophotometric analysis: Absorbance is measured at a wavelength of 550 nm.
• Quantification: Formaldehyde concentrations are calculated using a standard calibration curve.

The existing method has a quantification limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). However, naturally occurring formaldehyde in certain foods means that analytical results alone may not be sufficient to determine regulatory compliance. Raw material sources, processing conditions and inspection findings should also be considered.

Public Consultation and Submission of Comments

The Ministry has opened a shortened 14-day public consultation period, taking into account the potential impact of interfering substances on the accuracy of food testing results.

Interested parties may submit comments or recommendations concerning the proposed revocation.

Key consultation information:

• Publication date: 11 November 2026.
• Consultation deadline: 25 November 2026.
• Consultation period: 14 days from the day following publication in the official government gazette.
• Responsible authority: Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Contact Details

• Contact person: Associate Researcher Hsu
• Address: No. 161-2, Kunyang Street, Nangang District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Telephone: +886-2-2787-7718
• Fax: +886-2-2653-1764
• Email: hanyi@fda.gov.tw
• Website: Taiwan Food and Drug Administration

Implications for Food Businesses and Testing Laboratories

Food manufacturers, importers and testing laboratories operating in Taiwan should take note of this proposed regulatory change.

In particular, businesses should:

• Review their current formaldehyde testing procedures to identify whether they rely on the method proposed for revocation.
• Assess the suitability of the alternative HPLC-based testing method.
• Consult their testing laboratories regarding potential changes to analytical procedures.
• Monitor the outcome of the public consultation and any subsequent official announcement.

The proposed revocation highlights Taiwan's efforts to improve the reliability of food safety testing and strengthen the accuracy of formaldehyde determination in food products.