TAIPEI - Excessive levels of pesticide fipronil have been found in eggs produced at three farms in Taiwan, the island's agricultural authority said on Tuesday.

Agricultural authorities tested samples from 45 farms around the island and found those from three farms in Changhua contaminated.

The three farms are subject to strict controls that prohibit eggs from leaving their premises and eggs that have already been shipped will be removed from stores and destroyed, according to the agricultural bureau.

The maximum residue of fipronil in eggs in Taiwan is 5 parts per billion.

Fipronil is a pesticide effective on a large number of pests. It is considered slightly poisonous by the World Health Organization and use is forbidden on animals destined for the food chain to prevent liver, thyroid and kidney damage.