I. Case Overview

Upon receiving intelligence regarding the blending of foreign and domestic low-altitude tea leaves to be sold as local high-mountain tea, Prosecutor Hsiao Shih-yung directed a task force comprised of the Chiayi County Investigation Station of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB). In coordination with the Southern Regional Management Center of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Chiayi County Health Bureau, a search was executed on July 17, 2025. The operation resulted in the seizure of 141 bags and 18 canisters of blended tea. The Prosecutor has recently concluded the investigation and initiated public prosecution against three defendants—Cai (○-ru), Luo (○-han), and Luo (○-ling)—on charges including selling adulterated food in violation of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, selling goods with false labels under the Criminal Code, and aggravated fraud.

II. Summary of Criminal Findings

The investigation revealed that starting from November 2024, the three defendants purchased Indonesian Jin Xuan tea and low-altitude tea from Nantou at prices ranging from NT$280 to NT$600 per catty (approx. 600g). They then blended these with Taiwan’s Lishan and Zhangshuhu tea leaves. The products were packaged in 150g bags printed with labels such as "Taiwan," "Blue and White Porcelain," "Alishan," "Taiwan Alishan Tea Area," "Zhangshuhu High-Cold Tea," or "Fushou Lishan." These products were subsequently displayed and sold for NT$700 to NT$800 per catty at their tea shop in Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County, as well as on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and the Shopee marketplace. By misleading the public into purchasing these mislabeled goods, the defendants generated illicit profits totaling NT$23,792.

III. Statement from the Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-Shi stated that the prosecutorial, investigative, and administrative agencies have worked closely across departments to actively crack down on cases where foreign tea is blended and sold as Taiwanese tea. These efforts aim to protect the domestic Taiwan tea industry, safeguard the health of citizens, and collectively uphold national food safety standards.