Durians, mangos and basil among produce that failed health inspection

Durians, mangos and basil among produce that failed health inspection

2025-07-14

Thirteen fruit-and-veg products failed a food safety inspection carried out by the Taipei City government. Fifty-two samples were randomly taken from fresh produce in May. The problematic products include blooming garlic chives and basil, as well as mangos and wax apples. Two suppliers were found to be selling durians containing cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal. Let’s hear more.

Lin Kuan-chen
Taipei City Department of Health
A total of 52 fruit and vegetable samples were collected in May, of which 13 did not comply with regulations. The Taipei City Department of Health has ordered the products to be taken off shelves at the locations where the samples were taken.

Voice of Ms. Hsieh
Mayfull
All noncompliant products have been removed from shelves, and manufacturers have recalled them. We will only purchase the affected products again when suppliers provide a certificate that the products cleared the relevant inspections.

Yen Tsung-hai
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Clinical Poison Center
There are about 400 pesticides approved for use in Taiwan. Most are water soluble. So the best practice is to put the produce in a tub of water at home and rinse them for about 10 to 15 minutes in running water. That can reduce traces of pesticides.

A toxicologist says it’s best to wash your fruit and veg after purchase, and to cook them properly. To curb the chance of health problems, it’s best to buy produce from reputable businesses.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#vegetables #fruit #durian #heavymetal #mango #produce #pesticide

北市抽驗蔬果"25%不合格" 2通路業者榴槤驗出鎘金屬

2025-07-14

為維護民眾食品安全，今天(14日)北市衛生局公布，今年5月生鮮蔬果抽驗結果，一共抽驗52件蔬果產品，其中13件產品不符規定，蔬菜部分，包括韭菜花、九層塔較多，水果則是夏天盛產的芒果、蓮霧，甚至還有兩間通路業者榴槤被驗出重金屬鎘。

[[北市衛生局食藥科長林冠蓁]]
“5月份總共抽了52件(蔬果)，其中有13件不符規定。針對這些不符合規定的產品，北市衛生局已要求抽驗地點，下架不得販售”

[[聲源: 美福貿易總經理室秘書謝小姐]]
“當下就已經把所有的(違規)商品，都全部下架，廠商也都把相關的商品回收了。廠商檢附這個合格的檢驗證明，我們才會再進貨相關的產品”

[[林口長庚臨床毒物中心主任顏宗海]]
“我們台灣合法農藥，大概有400種，大部分都水溶性的，所以說最好我們把蔬菜水果買回家，我們把它放在一個大水桶裡面，用流動清水，小水慢慢浸泡清洗，大概10到15分鐘就可以減少農藥殘留”

醫師提醒，蔬果食用前務必用清水，烹煮時也得徹底加熱，並建議向信譽良好的業者購買食品，以保障食品衛生安全。

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Warehouse battery explosion causes 7-hour fire and injures 15

At around 5 on Monday morning, a fire broke out from a lithium battery warehouse in Kaohisung’s Linhai Industrial Park. The warehouse belongs to Molie Quantum Energy Corporation, which mainly makes lithium batteries for electric vehicles. The explosion occurred while semi-finished batteries were being charged for the first time. Fifteen were injured from the incident, including 12 workers at the warehouse who fell while escaping and three firefighters who got burned from explosions. The fire lasted seven hours before it went out.

The dashcam on a fire truck recorded this footage showing billows of thick smoke from the factory. Then, an explosion.

Another also captured the explosion as it took place. Officers from the nearby Siaogang Police Station were also present. They rushed to escape, but one officer fell. He then curled up to cover his face and torso, before the smoke enveloped him.

The warehouse is located in Kaohsiung’s Linhai Industrial Park, in Siaogang District and belongs to Molie Quantum Energy Corporation. Hundreds of night shift workers scurried out when the fire occurred at 5 in the morning. Twelve were left injured when they tripped while escaping.

Night shift staff
We helped each other out and held one another while escaping. I have some grazes and bruises. There was a small explosion inside there.

The company mainly manufactures lithium batteries for electric vehicles. To put out the fire, the city’s Fire Bureau sent out 46 fire trucks and almost 100 firefighters to the scene. Three firefighters went inside just as an explosion was about to occur. They got slight burns from the explosion and were sent to ER. After that, no other firefighters were sent inside the factory premises and water wasn’t being sprayed at the flames. The firefighters stayed on the sidelines on alert and deployed robots instead to extinguish the fire inside.

Wang Chih-ping
Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau
Due to the chemical properties of lithium batteries, there are chain reactions that keep occurring. So once you put out a flame it will keep reigniting. That’s also the trickiest part. Basically you use water to cool it down, and after the thermal energy is completely exhausted, the flame will then be completely extinguished for good.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai also rushed to inspect the scene. He put on a filtering N95 mask before going inside the premises. When he returned, he brought with him a burned lithium battery.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
It’s a battery that looks like this. There are a few scattered on the ground. They’re the source of the fire.

According to the company, the fire started at a warehouse for semi-finished lithium batteries. It added that the batteries were being charged for the first time, and they did not expect the explosion to happen. Fortunately, of the 15 injured due to the incident, 14 had already been discharged from the hospital. The only one left is a worker for the company’s contractor, who’s undergoing in-patient treatment for facial fractures.

The fire was only put out after seven hours. It’s the first time for a large-scale lithium battery fire to ever happen in Kaohsiung. The mayor has also issued an order to the company to halt all operations at the site of the incident and vowed to impose the strictest penalties.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Kaohsiung #fire #breaking #breakingnews #batterysafety #safety #firehazard

2025-07-14

China will not influence the recall vote: deputy mainland affairs council minister

Taiwan’s Deputy Mainland Affairs Minister Shen Yu-chung recently appeared on FTV’s “News Observation” program. He spoke about attempts from China to influence the mass recall movement, saying that the efforts from the PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office to interfere in Taiwan’s domestic politics would backfire. Shen believes that any such moves would encourage Taiwan’s defense of democratic politics, and come at the detriment of cross-strait relations.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council frequently receives threats. Recently, the council’s deputy minister Shen Yu-chung was interviewed on a FTV program, saying that Taiwan would not be intimidated.

Shen Yu-chung
Deputy Mainland Affairs Minister
The likes of KMT legislator Lai Shyh-bao or Jaw Shau-kong have even publicly called on China’s Taiwan Affairs Office not to say too much in recent days. What is the connection with their remarks? It is probably self evident that the Taiwan Affairs Office is thinking that if the results of the large-scale recall votes are not what it envisions, this may influence the next stage of Taiwan’s political development. They blame anything and everything on Taiwan independence forces. Even with a recall, they’ll find a way to shoehorn that rhetoric in. Or they will find other ways to interfere with us, and intimidate us, and put us under a chilling effect. It’s the same old story. I think any small actions like this will not change our resolve to move forward in democratic politics and it’s of no help at all in improving cross-strait relations.

Shen also said the situation of Taiwanese traveling to China and mysteriously going missing is getting worse.

Shen Yu-chung
Deputy Mainland Affairs Minister
The CCP will use its 22 guidelines for punishing Taiwanese “separatists” to broaden and loosen its standards and make its criteria blurred. When Taiwanese people cross the border, the local national security units trying to hit their KPIs don’t care whether you’ve been invited to China or not, even if the invitation is by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office itself. When you enter China, they will take you to a small room at the airport. They won’t ask you whether you consent or not, they will ask you to hand over your mobile phone and laptop.

The Mainland Affairs Council has set up an online platform that allows Taiwanese travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau to register before travelling. Shen said the usage rate of the optional platform was very low and urged Taiwanese to register with the MAC before going to greater China for an extra layer of protection.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cross-strait #crosstrait #taiwan #china #politics

2025-07-14

A florist in Chiayi brings together fish and flowers to reflect local culture

In Chiayi’s coastal Dongshi Township there’s a unique shop that sells two types of items you would not expect to see together: fish and flowers. The shop’s owner, Tsai Yi-Lun, studied interior design. After graduation, she returned to the township to be close to her parents, after which she became involved in floral design. She transformed what was originally a warehouse for fishing gear into a beautiful and distinctive flower shop. Her unique entrepreneurial story drew attention, with even Premier Cho Jung-tai paying her shop a visit. Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang also stopped by, and left deeply impressed.

The store’s rust-colored sign indicates that it’s a flower shop that sells fish—a curious combination. This flower shop is located right next to a fish farm in Dongshi Township, Chiayi.

In contrast to its gray cement exterior, the inside is colorful and bright. The shop is filled with all kinds of dried flowers, all designed and arranged by owner Tsai Yi-Lun herself.

Tsai Yi-lun
Florist
I originally studied interior design. It was only after graduating that I got into floral design. The main reason I opened the flower shop here was that I wanted to stay in my hometown and be close to my parents.

Tsai’s family has raised fish and shrimp fry in Dongshi for several generations. She says she was “raised on fish.” To stay connected to her roots, she converted an old fishing gear warehouse into a unique flower shop—an idea that gained an unexpected amount of attention.

Most unexpected was a visit by Premier Cho Jung-tai and County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang, who listened to Tsai share her story of returning home and starting a business.

Tsai Yi-lun
Florist
I brought the premier up to the second floor, where we are building a cafe. He had some desserts and drinks and gave us lots of encouragement. He told us everything tasted great and that we should have confidence.

Tsai Yi-lun’s mother
To have them show interest in this shop and put the spotlight on my daughter—it makes me really happy.

Although Tsai Yi-Lun didn’t take over the family’s fish farming business, she hopes the flower shop’s name preserves the memories her family gave her. Through the shop, she aims to pass down this emotional bond and her connection with the local culture of Dongshi.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#florist #chiayi #flowers #family #entrepeneur

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Doctor warns over eating poisonous blue-ringed octopus

A man in Kaohsiung recently bought some wasabi octopus to enjoy at home. But after he already ate half of it, he discovered a small blue ring on one piece. Suspecting that he ate the highly poisonous blue-ringed octopus, he made himself throw up after his lips started to go numb and rushed to the emergency room. This kind of octopus produces the same kind of neurotoxin as pufferfish, ten times as poisonous as an Indian cobra and without an antidote. The vendor said the dish fully complied with food safety laws, but the customer still went online to warn people about the dangers of accidentally consuming blue-ringed octopus.

A Kaohsiung man brought home a box of tako wasabi, only to find a piece that seemed to be from a blue-ringed octopus. In his post, he said his lips started to feel slightly numb after eating it, so he made himself throw up and went to the ER. But the vendor said there was no issue.

Yen Tzung-hai
Chang Gung Hospital toxicologist
There’s a kind of octopus that produces tetrodotoxin, the same as pufferfish. If eaten, since it’s a kind of tetrodotoxin, it’s a very potent kind of neurotoxin. It could cause paralysis, respiratory failure, or shock, which would of course be life-threatening.

This is the octopus in question. It has blue circles by its tentacles. If bitten, the victim could be paralyzed.

Peng Kuan-hsiang
Japanese food vendor (unrelated)
Blue-ringed octopus can’t be used in cooking. If a creature that lives on the ocean floor is colorful and vibrant, you need to do your research on the species. People sometimes accidentally buy them from traditional markets or fishing harbors, as boats just returning sometimes catch some strange species.

Other vendors warn that people should be attentive when eating octopus. If you eat this kind of tentacle with blue markings, the consequences could be dire.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#blueringedoctopus #octopus #tako #seafood #neurotoxin #poisonous #foodsafety #tetrodotoxin

2025-07-14

Breakfast staples inspire coffee and cereal sparerib creation

Coffee and cereal aren’t just for the morning anymore. A restaurant in New Taipei City combined these breakfast staples to make Cantonese coffee spareribs adopting the same technique used for Singaporean cereal prawns, giving the beef an aromatic kick and buttery flavor. Let’s see how it tastes...

How does this Australian beef smell so strongly of coffee? The chef originally made classic Cantonese coffee sparerib, then was inspired by Singapore’s cereal prawns to give it a stronger coffee aroma in addition to the buttery taste of the cereal.

The beef is first cooked in a wok to caramelize the surface and lock in the juices.

The star of the show is the mocha sauce. It starts from a vegetable stock, then the chef adds chocolate powder, pineapple jam, and mocha.

After being stirred for 15 minutes, the sauce eventually thickens.

Then it’s tossed with the beef to envelop it in a strong coffee flavor. After that, it’s time for the cereal.

Chiu Lung-chun
Executive chef
We source the oats used for Singaporean cereal prawns. When paired with the coffee sauce for the spareribs, it lightens the flavor.

Pomelo also made an appearance, paired with the fresh sweetness of tiger grouper and wrapped in chicory leaves.

The fish is freshly caught and cut into slices.

Sweet and sour pomelo sauce and pieces of pomelo brighten the taste.

Taro was also upgraded from a supporting character to the leading roll. The chef uses the method for confit to lock in the moisture, then sprinkles cheese on top.

Chiu Lung-chun
Executive chef
A Chinese sauce made from Zhenjiang vinegar gives it its flavor. On top we sprinkle on parmesan cheese. The concept is the same as pairing parmesan with balsamic vinegar in Western cooking.

Their sweet char siu is also offset by sour lemon, showing off the chef’s boundless creativity in the kitchen.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#restaurant #food #sparerib #Cantonesecoffeesparerib #cerealprawns #creativecooking #NewTaipeiCity #finedining

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Applications open for Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival

Applications for the 21st Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival are now open. This year’s spokesperson is Hwakyo chef Lu Ching Lai who shot to fame after participating in Korean cooking show “Culinary Class Wars.” The competition is held every year sometime around October, to determine a shortlist of the best beef noodles in Taipei—both made-to-order and packaged. Winners will also offer deals after the festival for all to enjoy.

Seared with a torch, the sous vide tomahawk steak lets out a mouthwatering scent. Hwakyo chef Lu Ching Lai, or Yeo Kyung-rae, known for participating in the Korean cooking show “Culinary Class Wars” is the one making these delicious beef briskets, as the spokesperson for this year’s Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival. He’s accompanied onstage by his son, Yeo Yung.

Lu Ching Lai
Chef
I prefer red-braised beef noodles. I like how refreshing it is. Because I’ve lived in Korea for a long time, I like soups that are refreshing. I really like that feeling.

Yeo Yung
Lu Ching Lai’s son
I also prefer red-braised. Even a roadside stall makes really good beef noodles. I like it when the broth doesn’t make me feel thirsty afterwards.

Both father and son prefer red-braised beef noodles. The son, Yeo Yung became a YouTuber around half a year ago and recently completed a round-island trip in Taiwan. He plans to open a Korean-Chinese restaurant in Taiwan next.

Lu Lung
Lu Ching Lai’s son
I think opening a Korean-Chinese restaurant could work. I’m also more familiar with Korean-Chinese cuisine.

While the father and son look around stalls, the chefs who made the winning beef noodles in previous editions also ask to take photos with them. Last year, the underdog was budget-friendly chain Bafang Dumpling, which won a gold medal for their red-braised beef noodles. Lu is curious who’s behind it.

Liang She-han
Bafang Yunji executive chef
We should learn from each other. I hope our group can open in Korea in the future.

Ku Lai-wen
United Hotel executive chef
Let’s exchange know-how and learn from each other. The Korean method of making noodles is different from Taiwan’s.

Hung Chin-lung
Taipei Beef Noodle Association head
We want to create beef noodles with an international flair using different elements and flavors.

Lu Ching Lai
Chef
Koreans like to drink alcohol. I really recommend Koreans to get beef noodles after a drink.

In “Culinary Class Wars” fashion, there will be two categories: “Black Spoons” for red-braised beef noodles, and “White Spoons” for clear-broth beef noodles. Apart from the two classics, this year’s competition will add on a new category for novel iterations. Who will be the winners this year? We’ll find out in mid-October.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#beefnoodlesoup #food #beefnoodles #taiwanfood #牛肉麵 #台北美食 #臺北國際牛肉麵節

2025-07-14

Kind people give free boba and beef noodes to Taipower staff

Kind-hearted people in the south are showing their gratitude to Taipower technicians through delicious free treats. In Tainan a diner at a beef noodle restaurant went out of his way to treat a table of six Taipower employees to dinner. Over in Chiayi, a boba shop is giving out free drinks to any company technicians that show up, while yet another is delivering boba for volunteers helping out at the local district office.

Taipower technicians pull up at the drinks shop and order two cups. The price? Free.

Technician
Taipower
All drinks are free, it’s fantastic. We start work at 7 in the morning, and we’re at it until the wee hours. It’s been an exhausting week.

This boba chain in Shuishang has put up a sign announcing free drinks for anyone who shows up in a Taipower uniform or drives a company vehicle. The entire menu can be had for free to thank technicians for their tireless work.

Ms. Fang
Boba shop operator
Last Friday, a lot of Taipower staff came to buy drinks. I had this idea after chatting with them. For now, it will last until July 15, but we may extend it if needed. It’s hard to keep track, but we’ve given out a lot of drinks.

And it’s not just Taipower staff. Another boba store delivered 150 drinks to the local district office for the volunteers helping in the wake of the typhoon.

There are also heartwarming stories in Tainan. A diner at a beef noodle shop was about to have dinner on his own, when six Taipower staff walked into the restaurant. When the man found out their job, he finished his meal and spoke with them for a bit, before heading to the counter and paying NT$2,000 for their meal.

Ms. Chuang
Beef noodle shop owner
He said he wanted to pay for their dinner, and gave me NT$2,000.

The shop owner says the deed happened at around 9 in the evening. She had asked for the diner’s name, but he refused to provide it and left. The Taipower technicians rushed out to thank him when they found out, but he was already gone.

Ms. Chuang
Beef noodle shop owner
After the bill was paid, there was NT$1,100 left over, so I gave it to the Taipower table, as a kind of bonus. It was so nice of him. There is still kindness in society.

Typhoon Danas disrupted the electrical supply in Chiayi and Tainan. Now, Taipower staff are working hard to repair the damage in the hot weather. A cooling cup of boba or a heartwarming bowl of beef noodles goes a long way as a token of gratitude in the south.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#feelgoodstory #goodnews #heartwarming #boba #beefnoodles #taiwanfood #electricity #chiayi #tainan

2025-07-14