Kaohsiung recalls 786 barrels of carcinogenic cooking oil

Kaohsiung city officials have launched a comprehensive investigation and recall of cooking oil found to contain the carcinogen benzopyrene, with 786 barrels already removed from circulation. The contaminated product, supplied by Zhonglian Oils Co., Ltd., was used by several well-known brands, including Taishan, Fwusow, and Foma.

The city's food safety task force is conducting a cross-departmental sweep of food service establishments, including large supermarkets, restaurants, and catering services. As of noon on July 3, checks on 25 group meal providers found no use of the tainted oil. However, 3 out of 801 long-term care facilities and centers had used the product. Among hospitals, one cafeteria and one kitchen were found to have used the oil, and 4 out of 243 inspected restaurants also used it.

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Food oil safety is related to the health of all citizens. We adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards behavior that violates food safety regulations.

Authorities have ordered all affected businesses to immediately cease using and remove the contaminated oil from their inventory. Suppliers have been notified to expedite the return process. The city government stressed its zero-tolerance stance on food safety violations, warning that businesses knowingly using or failing to report risky products will face severe penalties under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, including fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million. Legal action may also be pursued if necessary.

The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that no substandard products enter the market, guaranteeing the safety and peace of mind of Kaohsiung's citizens. The city is actively monitoring the recovery progress with 23 mid-level distributors of the problematic oil.

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For businesses that knowingly use products with risks but fail to immediately remove, recall, stop using, or report truthfully, the Health Bureau will impose severe penalties according to the 'Food Safety and Sanitation Act,' with fines from 60,000 to 200 million NT dollars. If necessary, the case will be transferred to judicial authorities for investigation. We will absolutely not allow problematic products to enter the market or reach the dining table, ensuring citizens can eat and use products with peace of mind.