TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The health ministry said draft legislation to prevent betel nut-related harm will be publicized before the end of the year on the annual “Betel Nut Prevention Day" on Tuesday (Dec. 3).
Oral Health Department Deputy Director Yen Chung-han (顏忠漢) told reporters that the draft will include plans to prevent the sale of the addictive natural stimulant to minors and regulate where it can be consumed, per CNA. The law will also outline measures for inspecting venues and production materials.
Yan said that like anti-smoking legislation, betel nut consumption around schools and places children gather will be prohibited to prevent passing the habit to a new generation. He also said the government may require vendors to register their operations so that product sources, pesticide residues, and other items can be monitored.
Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-ji (陳駿季) said the government has standards for pesticide residues allowed on betel nuts. The ministry said field inspections showed 95% of vendors adhered to the standards in 2022 and 84% in 2023, and checks are still undergoing this year.
Betel nut, also known as areca nut, works as a mild stimulant and is known to cause oral cancer. About 600,000 people used betel nut in Taiwan in 2019.