Hsinchu formaldehyde food contamination

In late May 2026, the Tainan City Health Bureau warned Hsinchu authorities that Minghao Enterprise’s “Nongeng” noodle powder contained formaldehyde. The Hsinchu Health Bureau and Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration initially found no additive, but later tests of six batches confirmed the contaminant. Mayor Gao Hong‑an announced an immediate recall, suspension of production, and administrative penalties, stressing that the response complied with central regulations and that oversight would be tightened.

By early August 2026, further testing revealed formaldehyde in four rice‑flour products from the same company. The city fined Minghao Enterprise NT$3.84 million, ordered a full withdrawal of the products, and pledged to make formaldehyde a regular inspection item with results posted publicly. The mayor reiterated a zero‑tolerance stance on food safety and noted that no school meals had used the tainted items.

The two updates show a progression from initial detection and recall to broader enforcement actions, including fines and expanded testing protocols, as Hsinchu authorities work to prevent further contamination.