MPI Bean Curd Products Recall – Key Messages, Q And A

Bean Curd Recall – Key Messages, Q And A

The Ministry for Primary Industries has been notified by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration about five exported products they are recalling from international markets.

The products are dried flavoured bean curd snacks made by Te Chang Foods Taiwan:
• Braised meat flavoured dried bean curd
• Beef flavoured dried bean curd
• Vegetarian shiitake mushroom flavoured dried bean curd
• Satay flavoured dried bean curd
• Black pepper flavoured dried bean curd.

These products have been found to contain the illegal dye Dimethyl Yellow, which is a proven carcinogen in animals. There is no data to confirm that it is a human carcinogen.

Most countries have banned its use in food.

MPI has directed New Zealand distributors and stockists of this product to remove this product from sale immediately (Blissful Trading, King Tai Food Mart Company, OK-Mart Company, Sunson Gift Shop, T Mark Corporation, Tai Ping Trading Company, TPL Trading Co).

MPI is advising consumers who may have this product at home not to eat it, and throw it away.

MEDIA Q and A
What is the risk to consumers?
These products have been found to contain the illegal dye Dimethyl Yellow, which is a proven carcinogen in animals. There is no data to confirm that it is a human carcinogen.

Most countries have banned its use in food.

If people are concerned about their health they should contact their health professional.

Will people get sick if they eat these products?
These products have been found to contain the illegal dye Dimethyl Yellow, which is a proven carcinogen in animals. There is no data to confirm that it is a human carcinogen.

Most countries have banned its use in food.

If people are concerned about their health they should contact their health professional.

When did MPI find out about this?
Late on 23 December.

How much of these products are in New Zealand?
MPI is working with seven distributors to remove all product from the sales. It will mainly be stocked by niche supermarkets specialising in Asian food.

How was it allowed into New Zealand in the first place?
The potentially affected products have been exported to a many different countries around the world.

Taiwan has informed its trading partners of the potential presence of Dimethyl Yellow in food.

New Zealand is one of many countries conducting recalls on that basis.

What is your advice for consumers who have eaten these products?
If people are concerned about their health they should contact their health professional.

Is this related to the recent Recycled old scandal in Taiwan?
No this is a separate incident regarding the use of an unapproved dye in food for human consumption.The Taiwanese Food and Drug Administration has informed MPI of the issue and we have warned consumers on that basis.

We are working with Taiwanese authorities to get more information, but until then we are taking a precautionary approach.

ENDS

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