Taiwan Recovers 1.5 Tons of Carcinogenic Oil Amid Widespread Contamination

Taiwanese authorities are intensifying their investigation into a large-scale contamination involving 1,300 tons of carcinogenic cooking oil produced by Chung Lien Oil.

The scope of the problem is extensive, with the tainted oil found in 18 different products across 30 batches, affecting over 300 businesses nationwide. Major food companies such as Taishan, Fwusow, and Fwumao are among those whose products were found to contain the hazardous oil. As of the latest reports, Fwusow has recovered 7,347 kilograms and Fwumao has recovered 7,776 kilograms, with an additional 1,491 kilograms newly retrieved, bringing the total recovered to over 15,000 kilograms.

Officials are meticulously tracking the oil's distribution and ensuring its complete removal from the market. The investigation has extended to sensitive locations, including school lunches and community care facilities. While initial checks found two catering businesses supplying 24 schools and one educational institution had used the oil, a third catering business has now been identified as having used it between April and June. Additionally, the oil was found in one community care center, three elderly care facilities, two facilities for individuals with disabilities, and one child placement institution. A single post-natal care facility also reported its contracted meal provider had used the contaminated oil.

Authorities have inspected 283 retail outlets, markets, and food businesses, confirming that all implicated oil products have been removed from shelves. The city government is urging relevant businesses to check for and cease the use of any affected oil. The investigation continues, with ongoing efforts to track the oil's remaining flow and update the public on recovery progress. Chung Lien Oil has been instructed to improve its manufacturing processes and quality control measures.

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The city government will continue to track the progress of the problem oil recovery and the flow of goods to ensure that problem oil no longer enters the market.