Taiwanese oil company's products found with carcinogen after initial compliance

Chung Lien Oil, a major Taiwanese edible oil producer, faces an investigation after its soybean salad oil was found to contain benzopyrene, a Class 1 carcinogen. The company's initial test in April declared the oil compliant, but downstream companies like Taishin, Fwusow, and Fwumao discovered the contamination in June through their own tests.

Authorities in Taichung are exploring two primary reasons for the discrepancy: excessively high processing temperatures during oil production or risks inherent in the soybean raw materials themselves, possibly from pre-import drying processes in the country of origin. Chung Lien Oil is reportedly examining the issue with expert assistance.

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The processing temperature might be too high, or there are risks with the soybean raw materials.

"The processing temperature might be too high, or there are risks with the soybean raw materials," said Fu Chion-hui, director of Taichung's Food and Drug Administration, highlighting the need for clarification. The company is expected to provide reports detailing the cause and proposed improvements.

This incident has led to a recall of approximately 1,300 metric tons of oil, which had been distributed to 22 batches and 18 products, supplying at least 224 downstream businesses. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that the company is large and supplies many businesses nationwide, emphasizing the widespread impact. Authorities are continuing to track the oil's distribution and will impose heavy fines, up to NT$3 million, on any businesses failing to comply with the recall order.

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Chung Lien Oil is a very large company, supplying many downstream and midstream businesses and shops nationwide. The impact is widespread, and the investigation is not yet complete, but we will announce what we find.