Taipei rice cake tests positive for prohibited Rose Bengal B dye

The Taipei City Health Bureau has announced the results of food inspections conducted for the Zhongyuan Festival, revealing that one item of rice cake (fa kue) tested positive for the prohibited synthetic dye Rose Bengal B.

The non-compliant product was found at the Raohe Night Market branch of Yu Hua Xing Food Co., Ltd. However, officials clarified that the rice cake was not manufactured by Yu Hua Xing, but was supplied by Hao Hao Traditional Rice Cake Shop located in the Songshan District.

In response to the violation of the Food Safety and Hygiene Management Act, the Health Bureau has ordered the removal of the specific batch from sale and has referred the case to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation. Rose Bengal B is classified as a Category 4 toxic chemical and is strictly prohibited for use in food products.