KHT Staff
Kaohsiung — Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) has demanded accountability from the city’s health authorities following a faulty laboratory test that triggered mass recalls of frozen tilapia products across Taiwan and caused significant losses for producers and retailers.
The mayor publicly apologized to both PX Mart and affected tilapia farmers, calling the incident a “serious professional failure” within the Department of Health. According to the city, the error originated from a 29-year-old research assistant who altered testing instrument settings, producing false-positive results for enrofloxacin, an antibiotic approved for land-based animal treatment but prohibited in aquatic products.
How the Incident Unfolded
- Nov. 27: The health department ordered the recall of “Taiwan tilapia fillets,” expiration date Sept. 16, 2027, based on initial test results showing enrofloxacin contamination.
- PX Mart later confirmed that over 13,000 packs had already been sold nationwide, while remaining inventory was pulled from stores before additional distribution.
- A subsequent review by multiple agencies determined the product was contaminant-free and met safety standards, confirming the testing error.
Testing Error and Resignation
Health officials reported that the assistant, identified only by the surname Chen, manually altered device parameters that amplified drug readings tenfold, leading to exaggerated values and triggering the recall.
- She resigned from her post on Nov. 4.
- Police questioned her on Thursday evening; she admitted to procedural mishandling.
- Prosecutors are investigating whether the tampering was intentional or negligent.
Deputy Director-General Pan Chao-ying (潘炤穎) noted that the testing system requires strict adherence to fixed formulas and reaction timelines. A single incorrect setting, he said, can decisively distort results.
Industry Losses and Public Impact
Kouhu Fisheries—the Yunlin-based cooperative supplying the product—stated that roughly 120,000 packs were affected by the recall, with estimated losses surpassing NT$12 million. All of its tilapia products were subsequently pulled nationwide due to public concern.
General Manager Wang Yi-feng (王益豐) said the incident caused severe reputational damage, though the cooperative will wait until final losses are calculated before seeking compensation.
For now, Kouhu Fisheries has chosen not to pursue legal claims against the government.
What Comes Next
City officials are conducting a full procedural review to prevent another breakdown in testing oversight. Mayor Chen has called for reforms in laboratory supervision, data verification, and internal reporting to ensure that a single technician error cannot trigger nationwide economic disruption.
The Kaohsiung City Government is expected to release an updated accountability report and new testing protocols in the coming weeks.
