Do Hangover Gummies Really Work? Watch Out for These 2 Categories of Japanese and Korean Snacks While Shopping Abroad

Chew one before an exam to guarantee high scores? Memory-enhancing chewing gum that claims to contain ginkgo extract has been found to involve exaggerated advertising or be easily misinterpreted as having medical efficacy, and may not be resold in Taiwan. (Photo / Photo by Chien I-hsin)

Japanese and Korean convenience store candies continue to innovate, with their delicious taste and eye-catching packaging and marketing creating quite a buzz, also driving a trend among Taiwanese travelers to buy them as souvenirs. With the Lunar New Year approaching and Taiwan entering its peak outbound travel season, many travelers are stocking up on various snacks—but domestic food safety authorities remind the public to be cautious when purchasing two categories of Japanese and Korean products to avoid legal trouble upon returning home.

The popular Japanese convenience store memory-enhancing chewing gum had previously been flagged by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) for advertisements that were deemed exaggerated and misleading, potentially causing consumers to believe the product has medical benefits. Its online resale has been strictly prohibited and it has been ordered off shelves.

Recently, the Taichung City Health Bureau released findings from last year’s investigation into illegal food advertisements online, discovering that numerous sellers were illegally selling South Korean hangover gummies. The bureau determined that hangover gummies are classified as food products in Taiwan and do not actually have any proven hangover relief effects. Reselling them would be considered making exaggerated or false advertising claims.

The public is reminded once again that memory-enhancing chewing gum and hangover gummies are classified as food products in Taiwan. Individuals may purchase them for personal consumption only and are not allowed to sell them online. Otherwise, they may be in violation of regulations concerning exaggerated advertising or unsubstantiated health claims, and could face fines of up to NT$5 million under the Food Safety Act.

In addition, the Tainan City Health Bureau recently pointed out that some travelers, unable to understand foreign food labels, purchased food items manufactured in Japan’s five quake-affected prefectures—Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Chiba—which are currently suspended from import into Taiwan. These food products can only be used for personal consumption or given as gifts to family and friends, and must not be displayed or sold online to avoid legal issues and financial loss.

※ Excessive drinking is harmful to health ※