Health

UDN reports that 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.

Officers said both drivers violated traffic rules requiring drivers to immediately yield to ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and emergency repair vehicles using sirens. The drivers will be summoned to give statements and face fines of NT$6,000 to NT$30,000. Their driver’s licenses may also be revoked, and their vehicle plates suspended for six months, police said.

Five businesses have been cited for illegal wastewater discharge after about 4,800 kg of dead fish were found in Houjin Creek (後勁溪), the Kaohsiung Environmental Protection Bureau said.

The Central Union Oil (中聯油脂) scandal involves soybean salad oil found to contain excessive benzo[a]pyrene, a carcinogenic compound. Authorities said the company delayed reporting the problem, prompting recalls of affected oil and downstream food products and a review of food safety reporting rules.

Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong (林欽榮) previously said the site would include a rope climbing system, bouldering area, balance-bike and inline-skating practice areas, a parkour practice zone, and a pump track: a looping course with bumps and banked turns for balance bikes, scooters, and other small-wheeled activities.

If hikers encounter a bear, they should remain calm, keep their distance, and slowly back away while facing the animal. They should not approach the bear or try to get closer for photos, the agency said. Officials said hikers should not play dead or climb trees.