To clarify certain inaccuracies reported by the press on June 11, 2009 stating that a frontline employee at a fire department claimed that the masks distributed to the fire department by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) in March were expired, Taiwan CDC issues the following statement:

1. Taiwan CDC guarantees the masks it distributed are safe. The agency will take all responsibilities for problems associated with the proper keeping and use of surgical masks it distributed.
2. The national stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) is regularly examined before the expiration date by inspection units according to Item 1, Article 15 of the Implementation Regulations Governing Disease Control Materials and Establishment of Resources.Further, the masks reported by the press as having been expired have also been examined and issued an examination certificate for PPE by the inspection unit prior to distribution.
3. When a government agency files a request for unexpired PPE with Taiwan CDC, Taiwan CDC always explains how the appropriation is achieved and will only proceed with the appropriation after the agency has given its consent.In addition, the agency will be requested to manage and document the use of the requested PPE.