Singaporean Raw Material Supplier Refutes Sudan Red Allegations; TFDA: Investigation Based on Scientific Evidence
In response to a Singaporean raw material supplier refuting allegations of Sudan red contamination, Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) emphasized that its investigation is legally sound and points to systemic issues originating from the raw material source. The TFDA urged the supplier to fulfill its quality control responsibilities. The agency stated that last year's incident of banned Sudan dyes found in cosmetics traced back to a Singaporean raw material supplier. Investigations revealed that banned Sudan dyes were detected in some imported and domestically produced cosmetics, with similar cases also reported by South Korean and Singaporean health authorities, indicating a systemic problem at the raw material level.
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- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 15:02
- 🔍 Collected: May 16, 2026 at 15:32 (30 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 16, 2026 at 15:42 (10 min after Collected)
Taiwan's first case of cosmetics containing banned Sudan red was reported last year. The Singaporean raw material supplier recently issued a statement refuting the allegations and demanding that Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) retract its statement identifying them as the "source of problematic raw materials."
Qian Jia-hong, head of the TFDA's Medical Device and Cosmetics Division, told reporters today that all investigations into the banned Sudan 4 dye detected in cosmetic raw materials last year were conducted strictly in accordance with the law. National laboratories used highly sensitive "liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry" for detection and confirmation.
Qian Jia-hong emphasized that the inspection process is supported by sufficient scientific evidence and procedural legitimacy, and the legal basis is beyond doubt. The TFDA also adheres to the principle of openness and transparency, promptly disclosing non-compliant information to prevent the continued circulation of illegal products and minimize risks to consumer safety.
Qian Jia-hong stated that investigations found banned Sudan dyes in some imported and domestically produced cosmetics. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Singaporean Health Sciences Authority have also successively announced related cases, indicating that this Sudan dye incident is not an isolated case but a systemic problem originating from the raw material end. He urged the Singaporean raw material supplier, as the source of the supply chain, to earnestly fulfill its quality management responsibilities, clarify the causes of deviation, and make improvements.
The TFDA stated that it will continue to strengthen cosmetic management and post-market surveillance based on scientific expertise and the principle of information disclosure. It will also maintain close cooperation with regulatory authorities in various countries to stay informed about international risk information and jointly build a safe and secure consumption environment. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 0516
Qian Jia-hong, head of the TFDA's Medical Device and Cosmetics Division, told reporters today that all investigations into the banned Sudan 4 dye detected in cosmetic raw materials last year were conducted strictly in accordance with the law. National laboratories used highly sensitive "liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry" for detection and confirmation.
Qian Jia-hong emphasized that the inspection process is supported by sufficient scientific evidence and procedural legitimacy, and the legal basis is beyond doubt. The TFDA also adheres to the principle of openness and transparency, promptly disclosing non-compliant information to prevent the continued circulation of illegal products and minimize risks to consumer safety.
Qian Jia-hong stated that investigations found banned Sudan dyes in some imported and domestically produced cosmetics. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Singaporean Health Sciences Authority have also successively announced related cases, indicating that this Sudan dye incident is not an isolated case but a systemic problem originating from the raw material end. He urged the Singaporean raw material supplier, as the source of the supply chain, to earnestly fulfill its quality management responsibilities, clarify the causes of deviation, and make improvements.
The TFDA stated that it will continue to strengthen cosmetic management and post-market surveillance based on scientific expertise and the principle of information disclosure. It will also maintain close cooperation with regulatory authorities in various countries to stay informed about international risk information and jointly build a safe and secure consumption environment. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 0516
FAQ
What is the issue regarding Sudan red in cosmetics in Taiwan?
Taiwan reported its first case of cosmetics containing banned Sudan red last year. Investigations traced the source to a Singaporean raw material supplier.
What is the Singaporean supplier's response?
The Singaporean raw material supplier has issued a statement refuting the allegations and demanding that Taiwan's TFDA retract its claims.
What is the TFDA's position on the investigation?
The TFDA maintains that its investigation is legally sound, based on scientific evidence, and points to systemic issues from the raw material source. They have urged the supplier to take responsibility for quality control.
Is this an isolated incident?
The TFDA stated that similar cases have been reported by South Korean and Singaporean health authorities, suggesting a systemic problem at the raw material level rather than an isolated incident.