Taiwan FDA orders recalls of products made with carcinogenic oil

Taiwan is grappling with a widespread food safety crisis after carcinogenic "benzopyrene" was detected in soybean salad oil produced by Chung-Lien Oil. The contamination has affected at least 300 downstream businesses across the island, prompting emergency measures from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The problematic oil, totaling 1,300 metric tons, was supplied to major oil manufacturers like Taishan, Fwusow, and Fwumao, subsequently impacting a vast network of businesses. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has launched an investigation into Chung-Lien Oil, classifying the case as a "miscellaneous" (他) investigation to determine potential violations of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act.

Initially, the FDA deemed the risk of carcinogens in products made from the contaminated oil to be low, opting not to release a list of affected products or mandate recalls for blended oils. However, public outcry led to an emergency announcement late Tuesday. FDA Director-General Chiang Tze-hsiang declared that all blended oils made with the carcinogenic oil must be preemptively removed from shelves. Additionally, other non-crude oil products, such as salad dressings, using over 20% of the contaminated oil will also require precautionary recall and testing before being allowed back on the market.

Experts at a meeting on Tuesday pointed to Brazilian soybeans as the likely source of the contamination. The scandal has intensified scrutiny on the nation's food supply chain, with authorities working to ensure consumer safety and transparency. Meanwhile, separate news includes former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing communism during a speech at Mount Rushmore for the nation's 250th anniversary, and the World Cup knockout stage featuring a strong European and American presence after all Asian teams were eliminated.

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All blended oils made with the carcinogenic salad oil will be preemptively taken off the shelves. For other non-prototype oil products, if the proportion of carcinogenic salad oil used exceeds 20%, such as in salad dressings, they must also be preemptively taken off the shelves for inspection.