KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan – A Kaohsiung noodle manufacturer previously fined for using an unauthorized preservative is under investigation again after a consumer group reported finding an even higher concentration in its fresh noodles.The Taiwan Consumer Protection Association tested 25 noodle products collected from traditional markets across Kaohsiung, Tainan and Pingtung in mid-July.
Three samples contained benzoic acid, a preservative that is not permitted in fresh noodle products under Taiwan’s food-additive rules.Two of the failed samples came from Kaohsiung. One was purchased at Fengshan First Public Market, also known as Bingzai Market. The other came from a manufacturer near Shiquan Market and contained 3.26 grams of benzoic acid per kilogram, the highest level found in the survey. A third sample from Pingtung’s East Market contained the same banned preservative.
The Shiquan-area manufacturer had been caught before.
Despite that history, the company’s website continued to display an inspection certificate issued about 15 years ago, the association said. The group argued that the outdated certificate could give customers the impression that the company’s current products had recently passed safety testing.
The bureau also launched broader inspections of traditional markets and wet-noodle manufacturers. Products confirmed to contain unauthorized additives may be removed from sale, while businesses could face fines of between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million.The association said its results had been submitted to authorities for further testing and investigation.
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