TAIPEI (TVBS News) — PX Mart (全聯福利中心), Taiwan's largest supermarket chain, began recalling large Taiwan tilapia fillets Friday (Nov. 29) after Kaohsiung health authorities detected enrofloxacin, a banned veterinary drug, in the product. The Department of Health, Kaohsiung City Government (高雄市衛生局) discovered the drug during a routine food inspection conducted in October. The recall affects all PX Mart stores in Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, with authorities ordering product removal and refunds.
Inspectors found 0.028 ppm of enrofloxacin (恩氟喹啉羧酸), a veterinary drug, in the tilapia fillets, violating Taiwan's "not detected" standard for the substance. PX Mart had received 4,488 packages, with 4,080 already sold to consumers before the recall. The remaining 408 packages have been removed from shelves, and officials notified Yunlin County health bureau for investigation of the product's origin.
The production company stated all tests conducted before the product entered the factory showed no trace of enrofloxacin, according to company representatives. The company emphasized it did not add the veterinary drug to the product at any stage of production. The producer has cooperated with the Kaohsiung health department for the precautionary recall and continues to assist with ongoing inspections and administrative procedures.
Consumers who purchased the affected large Taiwan tilapia fillets can return the product to any PX Mart store in Kaohsiung for a full refund, health authorities announced. The Kaohsiung City Department of Health continues to investigate the source of the enrofloxacin contamination in coordination with Yunlin County officials. Health officials urge consumers to check their purchases and return any affected products immediately. ◼