TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has confirmed its first case of Sudan dye contamination in cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration confirmed Friday.
The agency said it received information in late October that China-made cosmetics sold in overseas markets contained Sudan dyes. The source was traced to raw materials supplied by Singapore-based Campo Research, prompting Taiwan to request domestic manufacturers conduct inspections early November, according to CNA and The Storm Media.
The FDA on Monday confirmed Sudan IV contamination in Chinese company Kimtrue’s fig-flavored cleansing balm. Taiwanese online platforms were ordered to remove the product, and its distributor, Oni, was referred to local health authorities for penalties.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's Greenvines Biotech Co. on Nov. 12 filed a voluntary report after detecting potential Sudan IV contamination in its berry red lip oil. Follow-up testing by the national laboratory confirmed the presence of the banned dye on Friday.
The breakthrough in tracing the contamination came from information provided by Greenvines Biotech. On Wednesday, the FDA and local health authorities inspected Eho Co., a Taiwanese importer of Campo Research ingredients.
Five batches of a red compound were sealed. Tests detected Sudan IV in three batches, though detailed concentration analysis is still ongoing.
Campo Research’s materials were distributed to 14 domestic and overseas companies, including Taiwan's Oright Inc. and Greenvines Biotech Co.
Domestic companies were instructed to conduct self-inspections within two days of notification and remove any products that may contain the ingredient. Products may not return to shelves until verified as safe.
Dermatologist Chiu Pin-chi (邱品齊) emphasized that Sudan IV is an industrial dye, and the greatest risk comes from lip products being ingested. Once metabolized in the digestive system, it can produce chemicals that can potentially cause cancer.
He noted that natural pigments fade easily and cannot produce overly vivid colors, which sometimes leads manufacturers to add inexpensive industrial dyes to maintain color stability. However, Chiu noted this incident did not involve deliberate adulteration by Taiwanese manufacturers, who were misled by imported raw materials they believed were natural extracts.
He advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing cosmetics labeled as “natural.” Products with overly bright colors or long-lasting scents may involve synthetic dyes or fragrances.
He urged the public to rely on government lists for guidance, as affected products will be gradually recalled and removed from shelves.
Sudan IV is prohibited in cosmetics under Taiwan’s Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act. Violations of Article 6 may result in fines ranging from NT$20,000 (US$638) to NT$5 million. Noncompliant products must be withdrawn, removed from shelves, and destroyed.
