Camellia oil with excessive benzo(a)pyrene traced to raw material source; industry says production classes know best

Taiwanese authorities are investigating two brands of camellia oil after detecting excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). The affected products, sold by Yongfengyu Biotechnology and International Functional Foods Company, were found to contain BaP levels exceeding the regulatory limit of 2.0 μg/kg. Both brands reportedly used tea seeds sourced from Chiayi, but failed to provide sufficient documentation to prove their origin.

This lack of verifiable sourcing has led the Ministry of Health and Welfare to suspect that the companies may have used imported tea seeds instead of local ones. Yongfengyu Biotechnology stated that its "Local Golden Flower Small Fruit Camellia Oil" relied on Weijia International for seed supply and processing. The company claimed to have visited Weijia International's contract farmers in Alishan.

Industry insiders, however, assert that tracing the origin of the tea seeds is a simple process. Su Guang-ming, secretary-general of the Taiwan Tea Oil Industry Promotion Association, suggested that inquiring with local farmers' associations, production and sales classes, or even neighbors of contract farmers would clearly reveal the actual cultivation areas. He explained that farmers often sun-dry their harvested seeds due to small yields, while larger operations might use cold air drying, as he does. He also noted that seeds are pressed directly for oil without further roasting.

Industry representatives further clarified that "Golden Flower Small Fruit" is a product name, not a formal variety classification. The small-fruited tea trees grown domestically are typically *Camellia brevistyla*, also known as fine-leaf camellia. They pointed out that domestic production is limited, with the purchase price for fresh seeds from local farmers ranging from NT$150 to NT$230 per kilogram. It takes about 10 to 11 kilograms of fresh seeds to produce one liter of camellia oil. Considering production, processing, and distribution costs, consumers can estimate the price range for domestically produced camellia oil. The Forestry Bureau reported that in the previous year, Taiwan cultivated 1,830 hectares of tea oil trees, yielding approximately 1,800 tons of seeds and 150 tons of oil, primarily from Hualien, Chiayi, Miaoli, and Nantou. Products made entirely from domestic ingredients, especially small-fruited camellia oil, typically cost over NT$2,000 for 500ml, while those using imported seeds are priced between NT$600 to NT$800.

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If you want to trace the raw material source, just ask the local farmers' association or production and sales class, or even ask the neighbors of the contract farmers, and you can usually grasp the actual planting area.