TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A large number of pet food packages in Taiwan are being found with misleading descriptions that exaggerate the health benefits of consumption, said Wang Teh-min, an officer from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) yesterday.

According to Wang, the CPC issued a report stating the findings of a pet foods investigation in September and October.

All 50 pet foods examined passed the food safety measure, but several were found to be using exaggerated description labels on their packaging as a marketing strategy.

Among the examined packages, 19 were cat food and the rest were dog food.

The misleading descriptions listed "magical" health benefits for pets, such as discharging body poisons, boosting immune systems, protecting eyes and building up pet muscles, said Wang.

One food company reportedly adopted some of the most exaggerating descriptions on their packages: Preventing pets from showing symptoms of ageing and decreasing the likelihood of cancer.

The Fair Trade Commission issued an NT$100,000 penalty on the company last month for marketing with misleading descriptions.

According to the Fair Trade Act, a company found to market a product with deceptive descriptions can face a maximum fine of NT$25 million.

Wang emphasized the CPC has urged the Council of Agriculture to draft a proposal to regulate labeling and descriptions on pet food packages.

As of yesterday, the council stated the first proposal draft will focus on regulating product labels, product descriptions and harmful substances.

The proposal lists a penalty fee between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 for companies that violate the new standards.