With another possible Sudan Red contamination in Taichung, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Wu Shou-mei (吳秀梅) announced on Wednesday that 35 related products may also be banned for import.
Earlier this month, an industry in Taichung sent in some pepper which was found to be contaminated with Sudan Red dye. The FDA had already implemented a ban on all pepper since March. They will begin batch-by-batch testing of the pepper, as well as related products, to search for more of the contaminant.
Wu said in a press conference on Wednesday the current border inspections include 8 illegal additives. This includes Sudan Red No.1 and a recently added Toluidine Red.
Wu said that the FDA’s new system, which began in April, currently tests two types of chili powder for contaminants. If identified the offending product as well as 35 related products, such as spices and sauces, will be completely banned from import. The FDA will carefully assess 35 affected products for Sudan Red any that may require further testing, and announce their findings in the future.