Taipei [Taiwan], June 3 (HBTV): The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has retrieved approximately 40 per cent of a 1,000-kilogram shipment of small yellow croaker imported from China that tested positive for the banned veterinary drug enrofloxacin, Focus Taiwan reported.

The entire batch had already been distributed to retail outlets across Taiwan, and while a recall is underway, it remains unclear how much of the fish has been sold to consumers, according to the TFDA.

The contaminated batch was detected during routine drug residue testing of 453 samples of poultry, livestock, and aquatic products conducted by health authorities in March and April. The fish had been imported by A-Quan Frozen Aquatic Products Co., based in Tainan.

The Tainan city government fined the company NT$240,000 (approximately USD 8,002.82) for breaching the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the TFDA confirmed.

According to Chen Tzu-ling, Director of the TFDA Central Centre for Regional Administration, enrofloxacin is approved for use in cattle, pigs, and poultry in Taiwan but is prohibited in aquatic products. Chen also noted that a previous batch of frozen large yellow croaker imported by the same company in the summer of 2024 was found to contain the same banned substance.

Because this is the company’s second violation within a year, the base fine of NT$120,000 was doubled to NT$240,000. The penalty was further increased due to the company’s failure to carry out required self-inspections.

In response to the latest breach, Taiwan will increase border inspection rates for small yellow croaker imported from China to between 20 and 50 per cent, up from the prior rate of 2 to 10 per cent. According to the TFDA, enrofloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial agent, and overconsumption can cause gastrointestinal issues and, in severe cases, may impair kidney function.

(ANI)