TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration said Saturday it has recalled 2,100 kilograms of pork intestines tainted with industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide from Pingtung-based Pai Wei Food (百威公司).

Food safety is a concern ahead of Monday’s Mid-Autumn Festival, when many people barbecue outdoors. The FDA said an estimated additional 2,000 kg of tainted intestines were distributed across Taiwan and have yet to be recalled, per CNA.

Prosecutors raided the Pingtung facility and seized hydrogen peroxide on site labeled “industrial grade, do not use for food application.” Under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, such violations can lead to confiscation and destruction of affected products, prison sentences of up to seven years, and fines of up to NT$80 million (US$2.6 million).

FDA staff and veterinarians also inspected intestines on the slaughter line to determine whether they were diseased or abnormal. Products deemed unfit for consumption are typically sprayed blue and sent for chemical processing to prevent them from entering the food chain.

Wei Jen-ting (魏任廷), head of the FDA’s southern management center, addressed public concern about tainted intestines in the market. He said the company’s sales ledger records only the name or initials of buyers and a contact number.

Based on those records, an individual surnamed Chen (陳) purchased 1,330 kg at Taipei’s Ningxia Market. Great Chan Shun Food (大長順食品) in Taoyuan City was the largest purchaser, with 2,100 kg, which has been removed from shelves.

Wei said the FDA is implementing five measures to ensure safety: full traceability, immediate removal from shelves and storage, random testing, strict penalties for violators, and enhanced publicity and education. Businesses will also be required to provide purchase and shipment records and conduct source verification.

The FDA urged anyone with concerns, or who discovers problematic products, to call the 1919 Food Safety Hotline or report to a local health bureau.