One in four Taiwanese elementary students either obese or overweight

According to the results of a survey by Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration, over one-quarter of elementary students were found to be either overweight or obese

However, the study, which was compiled from 2013-14, show the current figure of 26% to be a slight improvement over 2001-02, when 28.2% of elementary students were overweight or obese. 

The HPA blamed sugary beverages and high-fat, high-calorie fast food and snacks for the trend, as well as a lack of exercise. 

Almost one-third of boys were found to be either overweight or obese, while 20% of girls followed suit. 

This shows the obesity rate for girls has dropped significantly over the last decade, largely due to their greater focus on body image than boys, for whom the rate has grown slightly, the HPA said.

Peyoung noodles return from insect exile to rapturous reception​

The popular Japanese brand of noodles that was taken off the shelves in December after a customer complained of finding an insect in her pack, has returned to the market to a rapturous reception.

The resumption of sales of Maruka Foods’ Peyoung brand instant noodles was so celebrated that some stores in Tokyo jumped the gun and began selling the product one day earlier than their competitors. Sales were due to resume in the Kanto region before moving nationwide next month.

Media have reported cases of rationing in the areas where the noodles are available, with some stores limiting purchases to three packs.

Taipei increases food inspections to restore consumer confidence​

In a bid to regain public confidence in the food industry, Taipei authorities have ramped up their inspections of tea chains, shaved ice chains and other restaurants that sell beverages.

Though the raids did not establish any widespread malpractice, like the major gutter oil scandal that has rocked consumer perceptions of the food industry over the last year, the 181 samples showed several products that were found to be below health guidelines. 

These lapses were detailed in a report showing four cases of coliform bacteria contamination—including one sample taken from Meet Fresh, one of the most popular ice and beverage chains.

The health department said that coliform bacteria are often used to detect and estimate the level of faecal contamination in water, environment, and food.

Some items were found to contain contaminating coliform bacteria exceeding the allowable amount, implying unsanitary food production and storage conditions. 

According to the health department, officials have collected 100 items from shops and traditional markets since the end of April. Some have been found to contain chemicals in doses that exceed permissible amounts.