SHAH ALAM - The Taipei Health Department has confirmed that two instant noodle brands from Southeast Asia have been found to have contained cancer-causing substance.
Citing a report by Channel News Asia (CNA) on Monday, the department revealed that the two instant noodles brands, from Malaysia and Indonesia, contained ethylene oxide which was a chemical compound associated to lymphoma and leukemia.
The department said it was found after tests were conducted on samples from the instant noodles.
"Retailers who sell these instant noodles are asked to remove them from the shelves immediately.
"Importers of the products will be fined NT60,000 (US$ 1957.87) to NT200 million," the report said.
According to the Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau website that was under the cabinet-level Environmental Protection Administration, the substance is poisonous if consumed or inhaled.
Apart from causing lymphoma and leukemia, ethylene oxide could also affect the skin and eyes when in contact and can cause birth defects.
Meanwhile, head of Taipei Department of Health's Food and Drug Division Chen Yi-ting said the inspection was conducted by randomly selecting 30 products from supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets, traditional wet markets, Southeast Asian food stores and wholesale importers in the city.