Taiwan Control Yuan finds many radish cakes contain no radish

The Control Yuan’s Social Welfare and Health Environment Committee released a report concluding that a large share of commercially sold radish‑cake products in Taiwan are made with corn starch, modified starch and additives, and often contain no actual radish. The investigation highlighted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no testing method to verify radish content and has relied on name‑and‑ingredient checks, which the committee said amounts to a formalistic inspection.

The report urges the FDA and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to establish radish‑content labeling standards, develop detection procedures, and review existing limits on modified starches. It also points to health risks from certain additives, such as phosphate starch for kidney patients and acetate starch for diabetics, calling for stronger consumer education and regulatory action.