Taiwan FDA fines probiotic seller NT$4.02m — Taipei Times

In Taiwan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this year fined the seller of the Huo Hua Sheng probiotic product a total of NT$4.02 million, or about US$125,000. According to the regulator, advertisements falsely claimed that the product could reverse the progression of kidney disease.

In 2026, the FDA identified seven violations related to this product on four television channels. As Taipei Times reports, since 2024, fines for such advertising have reached NT$8.9 million. The seller was also ordered to remove the advertisements that violated the rules.

Fines since 2024

According to the FDA, fines of NT$3.08 million were imposed for Huo Hua Sheng advertisements in 2024, followed by another NT$1.8 million in 2025. The current fines of NT$4.02 million brought the total amount of sanctions to NT$8.9 million.

FDA Planning and Technology Management Division head Cheng Wei-chih said that the product mainly contains probiotics and lactic acid bacteria. However, the advertisements could have created the impression among consumers that the food product had therapeutic effects.

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Disciplinary review of doctor

The FDA warned that such claims could prompt people to delay seeking medical care. Food advertisements cannot contain false, exaggerated or misleading claims, or attribute medical effects to food products.

Nephrologist Chiang Shou-shan also appeared in the advertisements. He was referred to the Taipei City Department of Health for disciplinary review in accordance with the Physicians Act. Possible measures include a warning, restrictions on the scope of medical practice, or revocation of a medical license.

The regulator also asked television industry associations to ensure that the advertisements are removed from their members' channels. The FDA reminded people with kidney disease that food products are not medicines and cannot replace proper medical treatment.