Taiwan health bureau names 97 businesses in contaminated oil recall

Changhua County's Health Bureau in Taiwan has identified 97 businesses that received shipments of soybean salad oil found to contain excessive levels of benzopyrene, a known carcinogen. The affected oil originated from Zhonglian Oil, and its distribution has raised concerns among consumers and authorities.

Tai Shan Enterprise, a prominent food company, proactively recalled 10 of its salad and blended oil products on July 2nd, following a voluntary report from the supplier. The Changhua County Health Bureau is now publicly disclosing the list of downstream recipients, totaling 295 separate shipments.

Among the businesses named are well-known establishments such as Beidou Huazi, a popular restaurant, and Hao Le Di, a KTV (karaoke television) venue in Changhua. The bureau's director, Yeh Yen-po, stated that the county is actively investigating and tracking the flow of the contaminated oil, which amounts to 291 metric tons in total. This includes 37 tons for animal feed, 54 tons distributed through major retailers like Quan Lian, Da Quan Lian, Carrefour, and Meilian She, and 100 tons processed into secondary products by other businesses. Tai Shan Enterprise also used 100 tons to produce its own secondary products, such as blended oils.

Yeh emphasized that the county health bureau acted immediately upon receiving Tai Shan's self-report on June 30th, initiating a precautionary recall. The bureau is now expanding the recall and public disclosure to include secondary products, as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration, to ensure public safety.