Politician Demands Probe into Bitter Tea Oil Containing Carcinogen

Taiwanese politician Wu Hsin-tai is urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the origin of a bitter tea oil product that was found to contain excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene. Wu, a candidate for Taipei City Councilor in the Neihu and Nangang districts, expressed concerns that the "Local Golden Flower Small Fruit Bitter Tea Oil" may not be sourced from Taiwan, citing significant discrepancies in its production costs and harvest seasons compared to typical Taiwanese products.

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This batch of bitter tea oil, claimed to be 'Local Golden Flower Small Fruit Bitter Tea Oil,' has production costs and harvest seasons that differ significantly from locally produced Taiwanese products, raising suspicions about its raw material origin.

Wu stated that the product's characteristics raise suspicions about its true origin. She called on the Taipei Department of Health to investigate the source of the problematic bitter tea oil. This investigation, she believes, is crucial to prevent widespread consumer panic and to protect the reputation of Taiwan's domestic bitter tea oil industry.

Emphasizing the importance of her "transparent dining table" initiative, Wu reiterated the need for clear labeling of the main ingredient's origin. She argued that this transparency is essential to prevent lower-quality imported goods, particularly from China, from entering the Taiwanese market through processing and "origin washing." Such practices, she warned, ultimately harm consumers.

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We must investigate the origin of this problematic bitter tea oil to prevent widespread consumer panic and to protect the reputation of Taiwan's domestic bitter tea oil industry.

Wu stressed that protecting the livelihoods of Taiwanese farmers, who have worked hard to build the reputation of local bitter tea oil, is paramount. She believes that implementing a transparent and honest origin labeling system will safeguard consumers' right to know what they are eating and ensure that support for local agricultural products genuinely reaches Taiwanese farmers.

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The core principle of the 'transparent dining table' concept is to ensure the public's dietary health from the source. This incident further confirms that the 'transparent dining table' I have long advocated for is the correct direction.