The New Taipei City government's latest report indicates that the cuttlefish and tilapias caught in the heavily polluted Dansui River, contain poisonous compounds that may be harmful to human health.

A ban is now in effect to prohibit the act of catching and selling of the fish until further examinations show otherwise.

Regarding news reports indicating that some fishermen have been selling fish caught in Dansui River, the heavily polluted river that flows across in Taipei City and the New Taipei City, the New Taipei City government has conducted inspections on the fish.

The city government officials have found that the fish are so heavily contaminated that they may pose health risks to people who eat them.

It is confirmed that arsenic is found in the fish, with 2.02ppm of arsenic found in cuttlefish and 2.14ppm of arsenic found in tilapia.

Five out of the six fish tested contain slight trace of lead.

Doctors said that arsenic will cause cancer, and 2.02ppm has exceeded the food safety limits.

To prevent deceitful fishermen from selling contaminated fish to the public, the New Taipei City's Department of Health said that they will conduct testing for toxins such as heavy metals like arsenic every three months until the fish no longer contain excessive amount of heavy metals,

while cooperating with the Taipei City and the central government to solve the pollution in the river through joint efforts.

Fishermen who sell tainted fish will face a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000.