TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's well-known dumpling chain, Bafang Yunji, took to Facebook on Tuesday (March 5) to clarify the controversy surrounding using the dye Sudan III in its chili powder. The company emphasized that it had not used the non-compliant chili powder, a claim which many online users questioned.
Responding to violations identified by the Department of Health, Kaohsiung City Government, Bafang Yunji argued that while the importation declarations were identical, the coarse chili powder they used differed from the fined ground chili powder tested.
Bafang Yunji asserted that it uses chili powder vetted by third-party notary SGS. The powder undergoes testing for Sudan color, residual pesticides, and heavy metals before being used in production. As a precaution, however, the company has suspended the use of chili powder from this vendor.
The online reaction to the company's clarification was fiery. One comment read: "I love the attitude of not admitting anything." Others claimed that they noticed an off smell and unusual taste after eating Bafang Yunji’s food, questioning the company's handling of the situation. Some online users suggested the company change its inspection agency.
The ramifications of the Sudan Red chili powder food safety issues have expanded, with brands such as Hsia Wei Hsien, dried-radish cookies, HaiDiLao Hotpot, Bafang Dumpling, and Wei Lih Foods now under scrutiny.
