Black sesame oil contaminated with carcinogen, 216 bottles recalled in Taiwan

Taiwan's food safety authorities have ordered a recall of "Mayouche Top Grade Cold Pressed Black Sesame Oil" after it was found to contain benzopyrene, a carcinogen. The discovery prompted the suspension of production and sales by the manufacturer, Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd., and the retrieval of 216 bottles of the product.

The incident marks the first instance of black sesame oil being flagged for benzopyrene contamination following a wave of similar issues with other cooking oils, including soybean salad oil and camellia oil. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the affected batch, with an expiration date of April 6, 2028, was distributed by Tong Jian Industrial Co., Ltd.

Liu Fang-ming, director of the FDA's Northern Center, confirmed that the black sesame oil was manufactured by Tong Gou Industrial in Chiayi City. Health authorities in Chiayi City inspected the company on August 24 and 25, confirming that all 216 bottles were supplied to Tong Jian. The company has been instructed to halt its sesame oil production line and sales, and to initiate a product return and recall process.

The FDA is currently working with local health departments to investigate whether Tong Gou Industrial has used similar raw materials in other products and to trace the distribution of any potentially affected items. This ongoing investigation aims to ensure consumer safety and maintain transparency in the food supply chain, as authorities continue to strengthen oversight of edible oils.

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The incident has caused, and is expected to continue to cause, disruptions and limitations of access to certain of the Company's information systems and business applications that support aspects of the Company's operations, including the ability to process and ship customer orders.