1.Taiwan considers renaming bongkrek acid to avoid rice stigma

The food poisoning incident at Polam Kopitiam, a popular eatery, marked the first time Bongkrek acid was detected in Taiwan, sparking public fear. Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Food Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture explained that while Bongkrekic acid was translated into a Chinese name containing the character for "rice," the acid has no direct relation to rice. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang said that the Chinese translation of the term, which includes the character for "rice," might be changed after discussions with experts to avoid stigmatizing rice products.

2.Pioneering Sustainable Fisheries, One Step at a Time

Taiwan Tuna Longline Association (TTA) and Ocean Outcomes (O2) officially launched a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) with the aim of achieving several objectives through progressive strategies. The partnership is dedicated to advancing the conservation of fisheries resources, safeguarding marine environment, and improving the welfare and rights of migrant fishers, while also fulfilling commitments under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).