Taiwan detects banned chemical in cosmetics; 14 companies halt sales

Taipei, Nov. 22 (CNA) Taiwan has for the first time detected banned Sudan red dyes in cosmetics, prompting 14 local and foreign companies to recall affected products and suspend their sales.

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) said Friday it learned in late October that some Chinese-made cosmetics might contain Sudan dyes, with the source traced to raw materials supplied by Singapore-based Campo Research Pte Ltd.

Dermatologists warned that Sudan dyes are potentially carcinogenic. Accidental ingestion from lip products poses the highest risk, though external-use cosmetics also should not contain banned substances.

On Nov. 4, TFDA notified domestic manufacturers and importers to check raw material sources and strengthen quality control, while it also began random checks of suspected Chinese products at online platforms.

Similar contamination was later confirmed in a makeup remover by Chinese company Kimtrue and in a lip oil by Taiwanese company Greenvines. Both companies ordered the removal of their products from sales platforms immediately.

On Nov. 19, TFDA inspected Taiwanese importer Eho Co. and seized five batches of raw materials from Campo Research, three of which were confirmed the next day to contain Sudan Red IV.

The contaminated materials had been distributed to 14 companies, including Shanghai Li Rou Economic Development Co., O'right Inc., and Greenvines, according to the agency.

TFDA has since required all affected companies to complete a self-inspection within 48 hours, report products using the problematic raw materials, and remove them from sale until safety is confirmed.

Under Taiwan's Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, using banned dyes can result in fines ranging from NT$20,000 (US$638) to NT$5 million. Products found non-compliant must be recalled and destroyed.