TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Food and Drug Administration confirmed Monday that 18 cosmetic products contain banned Sudan IV dyes.

FDA Deputy Director-General Wang Te-yuan (王德原) said a second round of testing confirmed that the products — including semi-finished and R&D-stage items — contained Sudan IV, per UDN. The case will be referred to prosecutors.

The discovery follows earlier tests that first detected the industrial dye in cosmetics supplied by Singapore-based Campo Research, which distributed tainted materials to 14 manufacturers including Greenvines, per CNA.

All affected products have been pulled from shelves, and inspections are ongoing as authorities work to prevent further circulation.

Wang said laboratories developed high-sensitivity methods to identify Sudan dyes in complex cosmetic formulations and avoid errors. The FDA said it believes Campo Research deliberately adulterated the ingredients and has shared key evidence with investigators.

Under the Cosmetics Hygiene and Safety Act, Sudan IV is prohibited in cosmetic products. Violators face fines ranging from NT$20,000 (US$636) to NT$5 million.