Famous Taoyuan Restaurant Fined NT$30,000 for Excessive Heavy Metals in Bamboo Fungus, Fails to Disclose Source

The Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) today announced the latest monitoring results for heavy metals in commercially available foods. Peng Yuan, a restaurant located in Bade District, Taoyuan City, was found to have excessive levels of the heavy metal cadmium in its bamboo fungus. Because the restaurant operator could not provide the source of the ingredient, thereby obstructing the health bureau's investigation, it was fined NT$30,000 in accordance with the law. Reporters have called Peng Yuan, but there was no response as of press time. To ensure food safety for the public, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's TFDA, along with local government health bureaus, continuously monitors heavy metal content in commercially available foods in Taiwan. The "Results of the 115th Year Commercial Food Heavy Metal Monitoring Project for January to March" were announced today. A total of 110 food items were tested for heavy metals. The initial test results showed that two infant and young children's food products and one bamboo fungus product did not comply with regulations for heavy metals. Liu Fang-ming, Director of the TFDA's Northern Center, told the media that one batch of bamboo fungus was seized at Peng Yuan in Bade District, Taoyuan City. The initial test showed a cadmium level of 5 mg/kg, exceeding the limit of 2 mg/kg. However, the restaurant operator could not provide source documentation, obstructing the health bureau's investigation. A fine of NT$30,000 was imposed under Article 47, paragraphs 11 and 12 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. Additionally, "BEBECOOK Young Child's First Seaweed Flakes - Seafood & Vegetable" from Rakuten Market Taiwan and "BEBECOOK First Food Rice Sprinkles - Creamy Mushroom & Shrimp" from momo shopping network were tested. The former was found to contain cadmium at 0.493 mg/kg (standard: 0.040 mg/kg) and lead at 0.066 mg/kg (standard: 0.050 mg/kg). The latter was found to have a non-compliant cadmium level of 0.133 mg/kg (standard: 0.040 mg/kg). Liu said the source supplier for the above non-compliant products is PUMAX CO., LTD. The Taipei City Department of Health, which was responsible for the testing, had already announced the results on March 30 of this year. The company has since submitted a product recall and improvement plan to the Kaohsiung City Department of Health. The TFDA emphasized that food business operators should implement self-management. Products that do not meet hygiene standards and products made from them must be confiscated and destroyed by law. The TFDA will continue to plan and execute heavy metal monitoring projects for food. If products are found to be non-compliant through testing, the cases will be transferred to the local health bureau where the product is located for handling in accordance with the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, and they will be listed for enhanced inspection and guidance in the future to maintain food hygiene and safety.