Sudan Red Detected in Cosmetics; Taoyuan Prosecutors Indict Raw Material Importer Seeking Heavy Penalty
For the first time in Taiwan, banned Sudan dye was detected in cosmetics. The importer, Yihong Enterprise, intentionally concealed positive test results from 14 downstream brands, including O'right, to protect profits. The head of the company has been indicted for fraud, with prosecutors seeking a heavy sentence.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 15:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 15:32 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 15:44 (12 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Yeh Chen, Taoyuan, 23rd) For the first time in Taiwan, banned Sudan dyes were detected in cosmetics. Raw material importer Yihong Enterprise Co., Ltd. is suspected of adulteration and counterfeiting using the banned dye. The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office concluded that the responsible person, surnamed Wu, knowingly concealed the presence of Sudan Red in the raw materials from downstream manufacturers. He was indicted today for fraud, with prosecutors recommending a severe sentence.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare discovered late last year that Taiwanese raw material importer "Yihong Enterprise Co., Ltd." brought in problematic raw materials from Singapore and supplied them to 14 companies downstream, including O'right and Greenvines. The affected products spread across 7 cities and counties. Suspecting that Yihong adulterated cosmetic materials with high concentrations of the banned Sudan dye, the FDA provided crucial evidence to investigators.
The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office opened an investigation on November 25 of last year. On December 2, they searched three locations including Yihong's office and factory, and 13 downstream manufacturers. They questioned Wu and 13 witnesses, and alongside the Taoyuan Department of Public Health, seized relevant red compound materials and finished products. Wu was released on NT$300,000 bail after questioning.
Today, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office stated that Yihong is the sole agent in Taiwan for a certain cosmetic supplier in Singapore. In July last year, Wu was informed by a downstream manufacturer that the imported "red compound raw material" potentially contained Sudan dye. Wu tested the material himself and received a report on August 28 confirming the presence of "Sudan III" and "Sudan IV," which are industrial dyes harmful to human health.
Prosecutors stated that after receiving the report, Wu contacted the Singaporean supplier, whose contact suggested suspending shipments. However, to avoid disrupted shipments and future business losses, Wu concealed the information from his downstream clients. From September to October last year, he continued to sell the Sudan-tainted "red compound raw material" to unsuspecting companies like O'right, who then used it to manufacture lipsticks and other cosmetics for sale.
The investigation recently concluded, and Wu has been indicted for the crime of obtaining property by fraud under the Criminal Code. Considering that Wu knew the red compound material was highly questionable yet prioritized his private profits over public health and the interests of other manufacturers by concealing the truth and continuing sales, prosecutors have asked the court to impose a heavy sentence.
(CNA Reporter Yeh Chen, Taoyuan, 23rd) For the first time in Taiwan, banned Sudan dyes were detected in cosmetics. Raw material importer Yihong Enterprise Co., Ltd. is suspected of adulteration and counterfeiting using the banned dye. The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office concluded that the responsible person, surnamed Wu, knowingly concealed the presence of Sudan Red in the raw materials from downstream manufacturers. He was indicted today for fraud, with prosecutors recommending a severe sentence.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare discovered late last year that Taiwanese raw material importer "Yihong Enterprise Co., Ltd." brought in problematic raw materials from Singapore and supplied them to 14 companies downstream, including O'right and Greenvines. The affected products spread across 7 cities and counties. Suspecting that Yihong adulterated cosmetic materials with high concentrations of the banned Sudan dye, the FDA provided crucial evidence to investigators.
The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office opened an investigation on November 25 of last year. On December 2, they searched three locations including Yihong's office and factory, and 13 downstream manufacturers. They questioned Wu and 13 witnesses, and alongside the Taoyuan Department of Public Health, seized relevant red compound materials and finished products. Wu was released on NT$300,000 bail after questioning.
Today, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office stated that Yihong is the sole agent in Taiwan for a certain cosmetic supplier in Singapore. In July last year, Wu was informed by a downstream manufacturer that the imported "red compound raw material" potentially contained Sudan dye. Wu tested the material himself and received a report on August 28 confirming the presence of "Sudan III" and "Sudan IV," which are industrial dyes harmful to human health.
Prosecutors stated that after receiving the report, Wu contacted the Singaporean supplier, whose contact suggested suspending shipments. However, to avoid disrupted shipments and future business losses, Wu concealed the information from his downstream clients. From September to October last year, he continued to sell the Sudan-tainted "red compound raw material" to unsuspecting companies like O'right, who then used it to manufacture lipsticks and other cosmetics for sale.
The investigation recently concluded, and Wu has been indicted for the crime of obtaining property by fraud under the Criminal Code. Considering that Wu knew the red compound material was highly questionable yet prioritized his private profits over public health and the interests of other manufacturers by concealing the truth and continuing sales, prosecutors have asked the court to impose a heavy sentence.