TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Hualien buckwheat tea pack labeled “Taiwan, China” sparked backlash online, drawing criticism over the apparent downgrading of a local product, Liberty Times reported Sunday.

The tea, produced by the Ji’an Township Farmers’ Association, was flagged by a consumer who shared images of the packaging. Netizens called for a boycott, while DPP Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) questioned how such labeling could occur under official guidance.

In a Threads post on Saturday, Wang showed the product, “Rift Valley Buckwheat Tea,” listing ingredients, storage instructions, and its origin in Hualien. The packaging also cited local agricultural agencies, but labeled the origin as “Taiwan, China.”

The Agriculture and Food Agency’s Eastern Region Branch said the product was not part of its guidance programs. Officials said the labeling was commissioned by Erye Farm, which supplied the buckwheat used in the tea.

The branch said the batch was distributed only to friends, relatives, and volunteers involved in disaster relief, and was not sold commercially, per Newtalk. It added that it has asked the business to correct the labeling.

Online reactions remained critical, with users questioning whether a correction alone was sufficient, per Liberty Times. Others said the labeling suggested deliberate action and raised concerns about oversight.