TAIPEI, Taiwan — The producer of a shrimp snack popular in Taiwan has been caught using expired raw materials, including bonito extract powder that is nearly three years past its expiration date. Four out of the seven flavors in which Hsia Wei Hsien shrimp snacks are offered, were mixed with expired bonito extract powder and anhydrous citric acid. A total of 2,371.5 kilograms of expired raw materials and problematic products were seized, the FDA went on, adding that it has ordered all five products must be removed from store shelves by Friday midnight. An investigation has been kicked off to find out if the company used the expired raw materials deliberately in violation of fraud laws, the administration said. It pointed out that under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, those who produce, pack, store or sell expired food products are subject to a fine ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,984) to NT$200 million.

Source: The China Post May 18, 2017 09:33 UTC