Taipei:A shipment of potatoes from the United States was intercepted after tests revealed excessive levels of glycoalkaloids, according to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA).

According to Focus Taiwan, the 339,580-kilogram shipment contained 248 milligrams of glycoalkaloids per kilogram, surpassing the legal limit of 200 mg/kg. The potatoes showed no visible signs of sprouting, stated Liu Fang-ming, director of the TFDA's Northern Taiwan Management Center.

Taiwanese snack manufacturer Hwa Yuan Foods, the importer of the potatoes, will now face an increased inspection rate of 20-50 percent for future imports. Liu noted that businesses would be instructed to test potatoes if they have sprouted, while those without visible sprouts will also undergo sampling and testing.

Additionally, a 133-kilogram shipment of melamine soup spoons from China failed dissolution testing and must be returned or destroyed. The importer, Xinwang Catering Enterprise Co., Ltd., will also be subject to enhanced inspection rates of 20-50 percent.

The TFDA also announced the interception of other imports, including fresh melons and pickled ginger from Japan, fresh white radishes and Chinese yams from China, cod roe paste from France, and fresh Chinese cabbage from Vietnam. These products were found to contain excessive levels of pesticide residues, preservatives, or sweeteners.