Taiwan: Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation reportedly spent NT$65 million on recalling 3.7 million beer bottles and reprinting labels

The state-run Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation has reportedly spent NT$65 million on recalling 3.7 million beer bottles and reprinting labels ahead of a new government regulations on warning labels, The China Post reported on June 5.

On Jan. 5, the tobacco and liquor division at Finance Ministry's National Treasury Administration updated its regulations on labels of alcoholic beverages. The regulations become effective in July.

The rules stipulate that the font size of each character in the health warning must exceed 0.265 centimetres in height and width.

In addition, the warning "minors should not consume alcohol" should be replaced with "don't drink and drive," according to the regulations.

Ahead of July, TTL deployed around 200 35-ton trucks that recycled 3,700,000 beer bottles from all around Taiwan. The bottles were transported to a manufacturer in Maoli County for recycling.

A member of the public said the recall was a waste of money, water, electricity and other resources. Asked to identify the differences between the old and new beer bottles, two consumers were unable to do so immediately, according to the United Evening News.

Hsu An-hsuan, chairman of TTL, admitted that there was a loss in profit but the measures were taken to adhere to the government's updated laws.

The bottles are highly recyclable as long as there are no noticeable scratches or breakage. Beer bottles can be recycled and reused an average of more than ten times if good preservation is maintained, Hsu said.

05 June, 2015