Inspecting Taiwan camellia seeds, native cinnamon strains, and camellia oleifera oil products

The Forestry Experimental Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture in Taiwan has launched a forest product verification center to protect consumer rights and ensure the authenticity of native forest products. The center uses advanced DNA molecular testing and chemical composition analysis to distinguish between native and exotic species, focusing on key crops such as Taiwanese camellia, cinnamon, and camellia oleifera. This is crucial for preventing farmers from planting the wrong seedlings and for consumers to make informed choices about the quality and origin of these products. The services are currently targeted at public agencies, with plans for future expansion to include private sector involvement. The center's tests can distinguish between different strains and types of these crops, such as the Taiwanese camellia's geographical strains and the different types of cinnamon based on their chemical composition and genotype. Additionally, the center can also test the oxidation stability of camellia oleifera tea oil to ensure its quality.