Gold Medal Tea Farmer Accused of Using Chinese Seeds for Toxic Oil Production

A celebrated tea farmer, Chen Yuannong, known for his award-winning oolong tea, faces accusations of a serious deception. Authorities are investigating Weijia International Co. for allegedly using Chinese tea seeds to produce toxic cooking oil. Chen, a prominent small farmer in the Alishan region, reportedly received a gold medal for his oolong tea.

Investigators are looking into claims that Chen supplied Chinese tea seeds to a contract manufacturer. This manufacturer is accused of using these seeds to create oil that contains harmful substances. The scandal came to light as authorities pursued the case against Weijia International.

Compounding the issue, Yongfengyu Biotechnology, a company involved in the production, had previously conducted an on-site inspection of Chen's farm. Reports suggest that the company was misled during this inspection, unaware of the true origin of the tea seeds being used.