Carcinogen Found in Taiwanese Camellia Oil; China Origin Suspected

A contamination scandal involving camellia oil has prompted health authorities to launch a special investigation and order product recalls. Multiple batches of "Taiwanese camellia oil" have been found to contain benzo(a)pyrene, a known carcinogen, at levels exceeding the legal limit of 2.0 micrograms per kilogram. The issue first came to light when a company voluntarily reported the contamination.

Investigations by Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) point to Yuanchun Oil Press, a factory in Chiayi County, as the source of the problematic raw materials. While the manufacturers claimed to use locally sourced camellia seeds, they could not provide sufficient proof of origin. This has led to strong suspicions that the actual raw material was imported, likely from China, which is a major global supplier of camellia seeds. Taiwan's domestic production is limited, with 95% of camellia seeds being imported.

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We are strongly suspicious that the actual raw material used was imported camellia seeds, possibly from China.

Several companies, including Yongfongyu Biotech and International Functional Foods Co., have been affected. Products from these companies, processed by Yuanchun, have been recalled. The New Taipei City health department has requested that companies offer lenient and simplified compensation to consumers. Yuanchun Oil Press has temporarily suspended operations and is cooperating with authorities to clarify the source of the seeds. The FDA plans to conduct further risk assessments and implement tiered management for oil products based on their risk levels.

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We have recalled four products, totaling eight batches of camellia oil. Three batches were confirmed to exceed the benzo(a)pyrene limit, while the remaining products were voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure.