Leading the food industry in signing a food safety declaration, Huang Wei-che: Tainan will fully block problematic cooking oil from entering the market

Tainan City is taking a proactive stance against food safety risks, with Mayor Huang Wei-che spearheading a food safety declaration signed by industry representatives. This initiative aims to prevent contaminated cooking oil from reaching consumers, following an incident where a soybean salad oil product exceeded permissible levels of benzo[a]pyrene.

The city government has implemented a comprehensive response, including an inter-departmental mechanism to trace the affected oil and its processed products. Businesses are mandated to immediately cease using and recall the oil. Furthermore, stricter preventive measures require the precautionary removal of any products made with the affected oil, regardless of the proportion used, to mitigate food safety risks.

“

Through the dual guarantees of industry self-management and government inspection and oversight, we provide consumers with peace of mind.

Mayor Huang visited local businesses in the Guohua commercial district to promote self-inspection and food safety management, encouraging shops to display 'peace of mind' labels. These labels help consumers quickly identify establishments not using the problematic oil, boosting confidence and reducing inquiries about oil sources. As of July 8, Tainan's health bureau had inspected 1,270 food vendors, restaurants, and care facilities, removing 1,079 kilograms of the affected oil. The bureau continues to track the oil's distribution to prevent any food safety loopholes.

Health Bureau Director Li Tsui-feng reported that an additional 401 affected products were announced by the Food and Drug Administration on July 8. The health bureau is actively inspecting sales channels to ensure these products are recalled according to regulations. The city emphasizes a dual approach of industry self-management and strict government oversight to ensure consumer safety and confidence in dining.

“

We hope that through the parallel efforts of industry self-management and strict government oversight, citizens can consume with peace of mind and dine with confidence.