TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —A food company affiliated with a slaughterhouse in Pingtung County was found to have violated food safety regulations on Thursday by soaking pork intestines in industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide before conducting sales to municipalities across Taiwan.
With approximately 2,000 kg of tainted pork intestine attributed to Pai Wei Food (百威公司) still unaccounted for, municipal health authorities across Taiwan have increased inspections at markets and restaurants, per CNA.
The Pingtung County Bureau of Health announced on Monday that it had inspected 45 markets, restaurants, and other locations for pork intestines, with all such items found to comply with regulations. The bureau pledged to carry out further inspections of upstream distribution channels.
It reminded the public not to prioritize food color and appearance when making purchases. Consumers are advised to be vigilant when choosing ingredients that are unusually white or significantly deviate from traditional colors.
The public is also advised to take steps to remove residual hydrogen peroxide by soaking pork intestine in water and changing the water frequently, along with boiling without a lid to allow residue to evaporate. Furthermore, businesses are encouraged to implement self-management and comply with food safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the Kaohsiung City Department of Health announced it had carried out 423 inspections at markets and restaurants that sold pork intestines. On-site testing for hydrogen peroxide in 78 samples was conducted, all of which came back negative, complying with food safety regulations, per CNA.
The Kaohsiung City DOH said it received notification from the Pingtung County health authorities that illegal pork intestine products had entered a frozen food store in Kaohsiung. The store purchased 36 kg and 90 kg in August and September, respectively.
The store stated that the first shipment was for a ship's catering supplier, which went unused and was recalled, and the second shipment was destroyed.
