Counterfeit Mask Scandal Proves the COVID-19 Edition of a Long-Running Social Problem in Taiwan

Presidential Office/Public Domain A RECENT CONTROVERSY regarding the distribution of counterfeit ࢀœMade in Taiwanࢀ masks proves the COVID-19 edition of a long-running social issue in Taiwan. In particular, it proves an endemic issue in Taiwan that Taiwanese companies try to cut corners on their products as a means of reducing costs. Consequently, Taiwanese consumers end up with substandard productsࢀ"sometimes with dangerous effects on health or safety. One prominent example would be the frequent food safety scandals that Taiwan has seen over the past decade. Examples include the use of plasticizer to replace palm oil as a clouding agent by Taiwanese…