Taiwan sends back Vietnamese noodles for containing banned substance
In this article (4)
Taiwan has returned 1.44 tons of Vietnam’s Omachi instant noodles saying they contain high levels of carcinogenic ethylene oxide.
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration has determined that the batch of noodles, imported by Chinese company Qianyu, contains 0.195 milligrams of ethylene oxide per kilogram, which exceeds Taiwan’s standards.
Ethylene oxide is banned in food in Taiwan as authorities consider it a carcinogen as long exposure to it could increase the risks of cancer and some neurological diseases.
Masan Consumer, the producer of the noodles, said that it did not sell the noodles to Qianyu, even though it does produce noodles for the Taiwan market.
Each country and territory has its own food standard and therefore Masan Consumer produces products specifically for each country and territory.
“We have strict terms with distributors to prevent them from exporting products from one market to another.”
Masan Consumer affirms that the Omachi noodles meet Vietnam’s food standards and are safe for consumers.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is looking into the issue.
Last August, several batches of instant noodle products by Vietnamese businesses were also recalled by the E.U. for heightened levels of ethylene oxide.
In July this year, Germany has issued warnings about certain imported Vietnamese instant noodle products that contain heightened levels of ethylene oxide.
Questions & Answers
Q.What substance was found in the instant noodles that led to them being returned?
What substance was found in the instant noodles that led to them being returned?
Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration found high levels of carcinogenic ethylene oxide in the Omachi instant noodles. They determined the noodles contained 0.195 milligrams of ethylene oxide per kilogram, exceeding their standards.
Q.Does the producer, Masan Consumer, typically sell these noodles to Taiwan?
Does the producer, Masan Consumer, typically sell these noodles to Taiwan?
Masan Consumer stated they did not sell this specific batch to the Chinese importer, Qianyu. However, they do produce other noodle products specifically for the Taiwan market, adhering to its distinct food standards.
Q.Have other Vietnamese noodle products faced similar issues in other markets recently?
Have other Vietnamese noodle products faced similar issues in other markets recently?
Yes, several batches of instant noodle products from Vietnamese businesses were recalled by the E.U. Last August due to high ethylene oxide levels. Germany also issued warnings about imported Vietnamese instant noodles in July this year.
Reader pulse
Should Masan take more responsibility?
23,544 votes so far