In a recent inspection by health authorities on food safety, Paylean, a substance banned in Taiwan, has been found not only in beef products imported from the U.S. and Canada, but also in some local goose meat. Even though health officials have tracked down the source of the problematic meat, it is likely that these contaminated products have already been consumed by the unsuspecting public.

During a second wave of inspections, Department of Health inspectors found traces of Paylean in 9 out of 43 imported beef products sold at supermarkets and hypermarts around the island.

A domestic goose meat sample was also found to contain 5.63 ppb of the banned substance.

According to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, the contaminated goose meat has been traced to a slaughterhouse in Changhua's Hsichou Township.

After Paylean was found in a goose meat sample on January 4th, the Prosecutors Office suspended the operation of the slaughterhouse.

However, goose meat processed prior to January 3rd may have already made its way into the market.

Bureau workers say that their inspections on goose meat are simultaneously being conducted at farms, livestock ranches, and slaughterhouses.