Stories from Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of Labor announced a medical fee reform that will transition over 390,000 people from paying for services to receiving them for free. The reform is described as having both increases and decreases in fees.

The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index (TAIEX) declined by 348 points to 41,584 points, representing a 0.83% drop. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Index declined by 0.83% to 41,584 points, with a transaction value reaching 111.47 billion NTD.

Taiwan's Ministry of Interior reported that the total number of births in April was 8,144. Taiwan's Ministry of Interior released the latest household registration statistics, indicating only 8,144 births occurred in April this year.

KMT Chairman Zeng Liwen met with Taichung Mayor Lu Xiuyan in Taichung, where they reached a consensus on the arms procurement bill.

A company previously involved in explosives raw materials, Tiannan Fu Mai, is now under scrutiny for allegedly winning a military explosives bid despite lacking military background or experience.

In a study highlighting ten key food items, natto was identified as a processed food, distinct from unprocessed ingredients. This classification was part of a broader discussion on dietary recommendations.

Allegations of irregularities have surfaced concerning a Taiwanese military arms deal. A company without prior military experience has been awarded a sensitive contract for explosive raw materials.

Simple, lightly processed soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and white bean curd are recommended. Fried soy products like fried bean curd skin or fried bean curd rolls are considered less ideal but still acceptable. The broadcast said the health benefits of these products.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan is expected to announce changes to national dietary guidelines in 2026.

Experts are warning against home fermentation of natto due to potential risks associated with hygiene and temperature control. Commercially produced natto from reputable food factories is generally considered safe.