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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Costco recalls cooking oil, faces issues with U.S. vegetables and protein powder

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Costco is recalling over 27,000 tons of cooking oil produced by Chung Lien due to the detection of a carcinogen, benzopyrene.
  • The retailer also faces issues with U.S. imported frozen mixed vegetables containing excessive pesticides and a class-action lawsuit over heavy metals in protein powder.
  • Costco is cooperating with authorities and suppliers, conducting precautionary recalls and investigations to address the safety concerns.

Costco is facing multiple product safety concerns, including the precautionary recall of over 27,000 tons of cooking oil produced by Chung Lien. The oil was found to contain excessive levels of benzopyrene, a known carcinogen.

In addition to the oil recall, Costco's U.S. imported frozen mixed vegetables were found by Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to contain pesticide residues exceeding legal limits. Products containing fenpyroximate, malathion, and omethoate were identified, leading to the required destruction or return of approximately 10 metric tons.

Regarding the ingredient controversy of 'Orgain Organic Protein Powder,' we are currently continuing to clarify the relevant situation with the manufacturer.

โ€” CostcoCostco's statement addressing the class-action lawsuit concerning heavy metals in their protein powder.

Furthermore, Costco is addressing a class-action lawsuit filed by seven consumers in the U.S. The lawsuit alleges that the popular 'Orgain Organic Protein Powder' contains undisclosed heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Costco stated it is actively clarifying the situation with the manufacturer regarding the protein powder's ingredients.

Costco has stated its commitment to cooperating with government agencies and suppliers to manage these issues. The company is taking precautionary measures, including removing affected products from shelves, to safeguard member rights and ensure food safety. The retailer is closely monitoring the developments of these ongoing investigations.

Regarding Chung Lien's oil products produced from April to June, we have already conducted a full precautionary recall in accordance with government requirements and supplier notifications. We will continue to cooperate with suppliers and regulatory authorities on related operations and closely monitor the developments of the incident to protect member rights and food safety.

โ€” CostcoCostco's statement detailing their response to the recall of cooking oil contaminated with a carcinogen.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.