Taipei: A shipment of 30 kilograms of walnut oil imported from France was recently blocked at the border after tests found it contained the color additive copper chlorophyllin A, which is banned in edible oils. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced that the walnut oil was imported by a Taiwanese company that advertised its products as natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.

According to Focus Taiwan, testing revealed that the oil contained 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of copper chlorophyllin A, an additive not permitted in edible oil products under Taiwan's Standards for Specification, Scope, Application, and Limitation of Food Additives. Consequently, the TFDA stated that the shipment must either be returned to the exporter or destroyed.

Liu Fang-ming, director of the TFDA's Northern Taiwan Management Center, explained that although copper chlorophyllin A is an approved food coloring, its use is restricted to specific products such as chewing gum. The additive is not allowed in edible oils or staple foods like noodles due to food safety concerns, as these are typically consumed in larger quantities. Liu emphasized that the regulations aim to ensure staple foods, such as edible oils, maintain their natural color.

Following the discovery, the importer will face stricter inspections of its future shipments, and walnut oil products from France will also face heightened scrutiny at the border. In a separate incident, the TFDA intercepted 1,400 kg of coriander seeds and cumin seeds imported from India after detecting multiple pesticide residues, including acetamiprid and chlorpyrifos. These products must also be returned or destroyed, the agency noted.