TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency faces a maximum fine of NT$200 million (US$6.16 million) if it is found to have sold lychee giant stink bugs at an insect-eating event.
The Chiayi branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency recently held the "King of Insect Eaters" event, where lychee giant stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa) were fried and eaten. However, it is not a legally designated edible insect.
Lin Chin-fu (林金富), deputy director-general of the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) said Friday (May 10) he would “correct such wrongful behavior.” If it was sold as "food ingredients."
The event was held at Chukou Nature Center in Chiayi County's Fanlu Township on April 27. The original intention was to find new ways to eliminate exotic pests, but the organizers did not take into account food safety laws.
This is not the first time the bug has been a food item. Previously, a snack company introduced a line of “Lychee Giant Stink Bug Cuisine,” selling large quantities on Facebook. This included dishes such as “Lychee Giant Stink Bug Fried Rice” and “Crispy Salted Lychee Giant Sting Bugs.”
Some customers described the taste as having “an indescribable aroma.”
Lin said there is no history of Taiwanese eating the bugs, and their safety had not been confirmed. He urged the public to avoid eating them to maintain their health.
According to Article 15 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, this type of food or food additive "shall not be manufactured, processed, blended, packaged, transported, stored, sold, imported, exported, gifted, or publicly displayed," said Lin. Those who break the law may be fined between NT$60,000 and NT$200 million, and the products may be confiscated and destroyed.
Lin said agricultural units previously promoted the use of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) flowers in dishes. However, in Taiwan, Lin said the plant's flowers are only allowed for coloring beverages, “You cannot eat the whole butterfly pea flower.”
Regarding the inclusion of lychee giant stink bugs in dishes, Lin said the forestry bureau will correct its mistake and reminded agricultural units to pay attention to the relevant regulations when organizing similar activities.