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Taipei’s health department today said a batch of “Ah Lai White Curry Noodles” was found to contain ethylene oxide, a chemical compound associated with lymphoma and leukaemia which could trigger birth and hereditary defects.
“We have taken a sample from the batch and have sent it to the lab for testing,” a spokesman from the Penang-based manufacturer, FA.E.FA Sdn Bhd, told FMT.
“We have also taken a sample from the current batches to test. We will only get the report’s findings in a week.”
The spokesperson added that the batch of noodles tested by Taipei’s health department was from last year and was no longer being sold locally as the stock had finished.
In a CNA report, Taipei’s health department said testing revealed that ethylene oxide was detected in both the noodles and flavour packets.
The retailer was told to pull the two products off their shelves.
The products’ importers will be fined between NT$60,000 (RM8,700) and NT$200 million (RM29 million).
Earlier today, Bernama reported that ethylene oxide is poisonous when consumed or inhaled and can seriously irritate the skin and eyes of those who come into contact with the substance.
When contacted, health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa told FMT her ministry would be releasing a statement on the matter.
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