On February 4, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the detection of glycidol and glycidyl fatty acid esters in avocado oil products. This incident has been categorized as a control issue, specifically under the hazard category of contaminants.
The contamination was traced back to products originating from Mexico, raising concerns about the safety and quality of avocado oil available in the market. Glycidol, a compound linked to various health concerns, along with glycidyl fatty acid esters, has prompted regulatory scrutiny to ensure consumer safety.
As a result of this incident, the Taiwan FDA is likely to implement measures to address the contamination and monitor the affected products more closely. The detection of these substances in food products underlines the importance of stringent quality controls in food production and distribution.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product safety updates from health authorities and to be aware of the origins of the food products they purchase, particularly those imported from regions identified in such reports.