In Taiwan’s latest food scandal, almost 40 types of flavored dried tofu (bean curd) involving ten different companies are suspected to have become contaminated with dimethyl yellow, which is linked to cancer in animals.

Taiwanese authorities ordered more than two tonnes of tofu (bean curd) be removed from shelves on Wednesday (Dec 17) over fears it could contain a banned industrial dye, in the island’s latest food scandal. 

Almost 40 types of flavoured dried tofu involving ten different companies are suspected to have become contaminated with dimethyl yellow, which is linked to cancer in animals, the Food and Drug Administration said. The administration ordered any manufacturer that used ingredients supplied by the Chien Hsin company that they suspect of being contaminated to recall their products by Saturday or risk a maximum fine of NT$200 million (US$6.3 million).

Chien Hsin is accused of selling soybean emulsifiers that were adulterated with the industrial dye, which is banned from food products, to at least 44 manufacturers.