Taiwan FDA flags unsafe food imports from Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced several food safety violations involving imported products. Feng Yu Trading Co., Ltd. imported Japanese sea laver that exceeded the legal limit for inorganic arsenic, containing 1.7 mg/kg against a limit of 1.0 mg/kg. Consequently, the FDA has increased inspection rates for such products to between 20% and 50%.

Additionally, palm oil imported from Malaysia by Qi Fu Food Co., Ltd. was found to contain excessive levels of glycidyl fatty acid esters, a Class 2 carcinogen. The FDA has implemented mandatory batch-by-batch inspections for this company and increased scrutiny on high-risk vegetable oils through the end of the year.

Furthermore, a batch of Mala Zan imported from Hong Kong by Cheng Ying Co., Ltd. tested positive for Sudan Red I, a prohibited coloring agent. This shipment must be destroyed at the border and cannot be returned. To prevent further issues, the FDA has implemented a monitoring inspection policy for other seasonings from Hong Kong, requiring 100% testing for Sudan Red before they can enter the market.