Camellia Oil Seller Fined $3 Million for Carcinogen Overload, Lacks Source Proof

Taipei's Wei Jia Company has been fined NT$3 million for selling camellia seed oil that exceeded the legal limit for a primary carcinogen. The company had advertised its "Ali Mountain Small Farmer" and "Gao Yang San" camellia seed oils as being made from seeds sourced from local small farmers in Alishan.

However, during an investigation by the Taipei City Department of Health, the company was unable to provide documentation to verify the origin of its raw materials. The department stated that the company only presented a procurement agent's information, which was insufficient to prove the seeds were indeed from local Alishan farmers.

This action follows a broader concern over the quality of camellia seed oil in Taiwan, with several domestic brands previously found to have elevated levels of the carcinogen. The investigation into Wei Jia Company highlights the importance of supply chain transparency and proper sourcing verification in the food industry.