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FTV – June 12, 2013
The last preserved radish processing factory in Chiayi City was found to have used excessive amounts of the preservative benzoic acid, nearly three times the legal limit. On the 11th, prosecutors and health authorities seized 86,400 kilograms of preserved radishes. It was discovered that the factory's products were even sold to Japan. However, fearing rejection, the batches shipped to Japan contained no preservatives at all, while those with additives were distributed throughout Taiwan.
Investigators arrived at the factory's warehouse, where various types of preserved radishes were neatly packed and ready for shipment. The outer packaging boxes bore a large "Xiong" character, totaling over 7,200 boxes, with many stacked up to the second floor. The investigation was launched after tests revealed that each kilogram of preserved radish contained 2.78 grams of benzoic acid—almost three times the legal standard. Currently, about 90% of Taiwan's preserved radishes come from processing factories in the Chiayi area, most of which are concentrated in Chiayi County. The factory caught this time is the only one in Chiayi City.
Although benzoic acid is a legally permitted preservative in Taiwan, excessive amounts can still harm health. Some scholars have suggested that if preserved radishes are dried thoroughly enough, they can avoid spoilage without the need for preservatives. However, some manufacturers still choose to add them.
Since the factory did not add preservatives to the batches shipped to Japan, questions arise: Is Taiwan's lax inspection system allowing businesses to skirt the law? Or are they prioritizing profits over public health? This factory has been caught multiple times for excessive preservative use and should now face even harsher penalties.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E9……3% A3% E6% 97% A5- 051628616. html
Excessive Preservatives in Radish Sold to Taiwan; Safe Products to Japan
The last preserved radish processing factory in Chiayi City was found to have used excessive amounts of the preservative benzoic acid, nearly three times the legal limit. On the 11th, prosecutors and health authorities seized 86,400 kilograms of preserved radishes. It was discovered that the factory's products were even sold to Japan. However, fearing rejection, the batches shipped to Japan contained no preservatives at all, while those with additives were distributed throughout Taiwan.
Investigators arrived at the factory's warehouse, where various types of preserved radishes were neatly packed and ready for shipment. The outer packaging boxes bore a large "Xiong" character, totaling over 7,200 boxes, with many stacked up to the second floor. The investigation was launched after tests revealed that each kilogram of preserved radish contained 2.78 grams of benzoic acid—almost three times the legal standard. Currently, about 90% of Taiwan's preserved radishes come from processing factories in the Chiayi area, most of which are concentrated in Chiayi County. The factory caught this time is the only one in Chiayi City.
Although benzoic acid is a legally permitted preservative in Taiwan, excessive amounts can still harm health. Some scholars have suggested that if preserved radishes are dried thoroughly enough, they can avoid spoilage without the need for preservatives. However, some manufacturers still choose to add them.
Since the factory did not add preservatives to the batches shipped to Japan, questions arise: Is Taiwan's lax inspection system allowing businesses to skirt the law? Or are they prioritizing profits over public health? This factory has been caught multiple times for excessive preservative use and should now face even harsher penalties.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E9……3% A3% E6% 97% A5- 051628616. html