To ensure the quality of products currently selling at Taipei's New Year's goods market, the city's Department of Health as well as its Fire Department recently conducted a joint inspection in the market. Officials said even though no major violations were found, customers should still be careful when selecting dried foods and avoid those that are too bright in color.

Chinese New Year will be here in another two more weeks.

Already the New Year's vendor avenue is abuzz with shoppers, and sellers preparing piles of peanuts and seeds that stand taller than a person.

The Taipei City government has initiated a cross-departmental inspection team to ensure consumer safety and health.

The fire department has also arrived to supervise the overall scene and inspect the gas cylinders, public safety, and fire safety measures.

As the vendors had been notified beforehand, they were able to follow regulations and do their part in ensuring public safety.

The drawbacks of this year's vendor event is that consumers will have to prepare more cash as virtually every item has increased in pricing this year.

According to vendors, seafood and dry foods have all increased in prices by about 20%.

The abalone has increased the most, its cost rising to about 40%.

In addition, some higher grade commodity items have been snatched up by the Mainland Chinese, leaving little left for the Taiwanese shoppers.

The sales event will last 15 days.

The Taipei City government is reminding shoppers to remember the three points of safe shopping, checking for food labels, artificial food coloring, and strange smelling food items.