Warning! Excessive Preservatives Detected in Imported Pizza Sauce

In a recent development, concerns have been raised over the quality of imported pizza sauce. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration has detected an alarming level of preservatives in a batch of pizza sauce imported from South Korea. This discovery has led to the inclusion of the product on the list of non-compliant food items at the border.

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration recently published a list of non-compliant food items that failed to meet the required standards during border inspections. One of the notable entries on the list is a batch of pizza sauce imported from South Korea, which was found to contain excessive levels of preservatives.

The manufacturer of the sauce is identified as TAEWON FOOD INDUSTRY CO., LTD., while the importer in Taiwan is listed as Chengyi International Limited. The product in question is marketed under the brand name "PIZZA MARU."

According to the report, the pizza sauce was found to contain 0.14 grams per kilogram of preservative p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Ethyl Ester, exceeding the permissible limits. The excessive presence of this preservative is attributed to the addition of vinegar and soy sauce during the manufacturing process, as stated in the original composition document provided by the manufacturer. Calculations reveal that the vinegar and soy sauce contribute to a total content of 22.4 grams per kilogram of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Ethyl Ester. This significantly surpasses the allowable limits defined by the "Food Additive Usage Scope, Limit, and Specification Standards." Consequently, the product fails to comply with the regulations outlined in the Food Safety and Hygiene Management Act.

To address the issue, a total of 180.00 kilograms of the non-compliant pizza sauce has either been returned or destroyed, ensuring it does not reach consumers.

This incident serves as a reminder for importers and domestic businesses to remain vigilant about the quality and compliance of imported food products. Strict adherence to the prescribed standards is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.

The detection of excessive preservatives in imported pizza sauce from South Korea has raised concerns regarding food safety. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration's actions in identifying and addressing the issue demonstrate their commitment to upholding food quality standards and protecting consumers. Importers and businesses should take this incident as a reminder to prioritize the compliance and safety of imported food products to maintain consumer trust and well-being.