TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Some customers of the popular Apple Sidra soda drink in Taiwan have noticed a white residue in the bottles, prompting concerns over product safety. As a result, operations at the Taoyuan factory of Oceanic Beverages Co., Inc., the manufacturer of Apple Sidra, have been suspended pending further investigation. The company now faces the possibility of a hefty fine of up to NT＄200 million.
The controversy surrounding Apple Sidra first emerged in April when customers found white residue in a bottle of the soda and promptly alerted the Department of Public Health in Taoyuan. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of mold and yeast in the affected bottle, leading to the suspension of one of the three production lines.
In a recent incident, a customer from New Taipei City reported discovering a similar white residue in a 600 ml bottle purchased within the area. Following this complaint, health authorities conducted random inspections of sales channels within their authority and promptly informed other relevant government agencies.
Last Friday, the Department of Public Health in Taoyuan revisited Oceanic Beverages' factory in Pingzhen. During the inspection, inspectors uncovered moldy ceilings and rusty pipes on two production lines, raising concerns about potential contamination risks. Considering these findings, the authorities took immediate action, suspending all operations at the factory and demanding that the company makes the necessary improvements within a specified time frame.
As the investigation into the Apple Sidra contamination issue unfolds, consumers and health officials remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of product safety and the need for swift measures to address potential health hazards. The manufacturer now faces the daunting prospect of a substantial fine, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the imperative for stringent quality control measures.
