Alert! Illegal Addition of Preservatives Found in Imported Tapioca Flour

In a recent development, it has come to light that a batch of imported tapioca flour has been found to contain illegal levels of preservatives. This alarming discovery was made by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration during border inspections. The unauthorized additives were detected in a shipment originating from Myanmar. This article sheds light on the incident and highlights the potential risks associated with such practices.

On February 6, 2024, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration released a list of non-compliant food products discovered during border inspections. Among them was a batch of tapioca flour from Myanmar, which was found to contain preservatives exceeding the permissible limits.

The manufacturing company or exporter involved was identified as Phoenix Brand, based in Myanmar. The importing company in Taiwan was identified as Jin Hong Yang Co., Ltd.

According to the report, the tapioca flour batch contained 0.23 g/kg of the preservative known as benzoic acid. This exceeds the limits outlined in the "Regulation on the Use, Scope, and Specifications of Food Additives." The presence of such unauthorized additives poses risks to food safety and violates regulations governing food hygiene and safety management.

The non-compliant products, totaling 3,256.00 kilograms, were either returned or destroyed as appropriate measures to prevent their distribution and consumption.

Importing companies in Taiwan are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about such incidents to avoid importing non-compliant food products that could potentially endanger consumers.

The discovery of illegally added preservatives in imported tapioca flour serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining food safety standards. It highlights the need for stringent regulations and effective border inspections to ensure the quality and safety of imported food products. It is crucial for authorities, importers, and consumers to work together to prevent the circulation of non-compliant products and safeguard public health.