Taiwan Orders Precautionary Recall of 117,000 Tons of Soybean Oil Due to Contamination Fears

Taiwan's health authorities have mandated a precautionary recall of approximately 117,000 metric tons of soybean salad oil. The directive affects products manufactured by Chung Lien Oil between April and June, following the detection of benzopyrene levels exceeding the legal limit.

The Changhua County Health Bureau announced that companies using Chung Lien's oil, including Taishan, Fwusow, and Fwumao, must remove the affected products from shelves by noon on July 10. This measure applies regardless of batch number, encompassing all soybean salad oils and blended oils that used Chung Lien's products as a primary ingredient during the specified period.

Health Bureau Director Yeh Yen-po stated that Chung Lien Oil typically ships about 1,300 metric tons of soybean salad oil daily. Based on this average, the total volume subject to the precautionary recall amounts to roughly 117,000 tons over 90 days. The bureau has instructed Taishan company to complete its product removal by July 10, prohibiting further circulation or use until batch-by-batch testing confirms compliance with safety standards.

The recall stems from concerns over benzopyrene contamination. While a batch produced on April 4 showed benzopyrene four times the legal limit, a subsequent batch from May 12, initially tested as compliant by Chung Lien, was found by Taishan to exceed the limit by 0.5 ppb. This discrepancy, particularly when Taishan used the oil as a base for blended products with other oils like olive and sunflower, is under investigation. Authorities are examining potential differences in sampling times or other factors that might explain the varying test results.

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We have asked Taishan to complete the removal by 12:00 PM tomorrow, and it cannot be circulated or used further. Only after batch-by-batch inspection and qualification can it resume being put on the shelves.