A batch of Taiwan black pepper dried bean curd containing a colouring matter not permitted in food

Issue Date 6.12.2014
Source of Information

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Food Product

Pre-packed black pepper dried bean curd

Product Name and Description

Product name: Towfu Cake
Place of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Techang Food Co, Ltd
Net weight: 70 grams
Best before date: March 24, 2015

Reason For Issuing Alert

The CFS took a sample of the black pepper dried bean curd for testing under a targeted food surveillance project. Results showed that it contained Dimethyl yellow, a non-permitted colouring matter in food under local legislation.

Although there have been research results showing that Dimethyl yellow might cause cancer in animal studies, no sufficient evidence has been found to confirm the health effects on humans from dietary intake of this colouring matter. However, for the sake of prudence, the CFS urged consumers not to consume the batch of affected product.

Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety

The CFS has taken follow-up action including issuing warning to the retailer concerned, and instructed the traders concerned to take the affected product off the shelves. The distributor/importer are also required to stop selling the affected product.

The CFS will alert the trade and the Taiwan authority, continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up actions. Investigation is still ongoing.

Advice to the Trade

Stop selling the affected product.

Advice to Consumers

Not to consume the batch of affected product.

Further Information

The CFS press release

Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2014-12-6

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