Aftermath of Changhua Fipronil-Tainted Egg Incident: Re-inspection of 854 Laying Hen Farms All Pass

(Central News Agency, Changhua, 11th, reporter Wu Zhehao) After fipronil residues were detected in eggs from Changhua County, the Changhua County Government took remedial action by launching a comprehensive sampling and testing project. The county government announced today (11th) that sampling of all 854 laying hen farms in the county has been completed, and the test results show that no fipronil residues were detected in any of them.

In the case of the Wenya Livestock Farm in Changhua County, the responsible person surnamed Chen used the banned pesticide fipronil on the farm to control chicken lice. Approximately 150,000 contaminated eggs were distributed to 10 counties and cities. The Changhua District Prosecutors Office has concluded the investigation and indicted Mr. Chen and the responsible person surnamed Lin of Longzhong Egg Company in Taichung City on charges of violating the Food Safety Act and fraud.

To ensure food safety, Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei instructed the County Government's Department of Agriculture and the Changhua County Animal Disease Control Center to launch a fipronil monitoring project for all laying hen farms in the county. According to a county government press release, the first phase began on November 20 last year, prioritizing 15 farms that had previously tested positive for veterinary drug residues; all tested negative.

The county government stated that the Department of Agriculture and other units continued comprehensive testing of laying hen farms. Staff collected samples of eggs, feathers, feed, and drinking water from the farms. Sampling of all 854 laying hen farms in the county was completed on May 20 this year, and all test results showed no fipronil residues.

The county government said it will continue to conduct drug residue monitoring and management guidance for laying hen farms, strengthen the safety control mechanism for livestock products, and urge operators to comply with veterinary drug regulations to ensure public food safety and consumer confidence. (Editor: Chen Qingfang) 1150611