ILAN, Taiwan -- Yilan County authorities yesterday destroyed imported abalones contaminated with cancer-causing antibiotics.

Local officials destroyed 527 kilograms of toxic abalones left in Yong-chun Seafood Wholesale's inventory. However, the wholesaler, in Yilan's Toucheng, had imported a total of 1,080 kilograms from Hong Kong on Oct. 25 and has resold it to 16 businesses including distributors and retailers.

It will be hard to trace products distributed by the 16 businesses, but the names of those businesses have been forwarded to their local authorities for further investigation, Yilan health official said.

The imported products were slated for incineration after inspectors found residue of two carcinogenic antibiotics, 27.1 ppb of Furazolidone and 77.8 ppb of Nitrofurazone. None of the Taiwan abalones tested returned positive results for the toxins.

Health authorities tested the seafood after an Apple Daily report on Nov. 10 stating that the media has found China-imported abalones being passed off as locally-grown Yilan abalones and being sold to local catering services and bargain restaurants.

Taiwan abalones are rich in brownish color and smaller in size; while China abalones are larger, more grayish and often have smaller crustaceans attached, health officials reminded the public to differentiate the products before making any purchases.

Facing losses of at least NT$1 million (S$43,000), the importer, surnamed Yu said that he is sorry toward the consumers, but the customs officers allowed the products to enter the borders without inspection.

Yu also faces a fine of NT$60,000 (S$2,580) to NT$300,000 (S$12,900) for violating food safety regulations.