Zhonglian General Manager Admits Guilt in Carcinogenic Oil Case, Granted NT$20 Million Bail

Zhonglian General Manager Yu Lingchong has admitted to charges in a case involving carcinogenic oil, a development that has led to his release on NT$20 million bail. The case centers on soybean salad oil produced by Zhonglian, which was found to contain excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), sparking a significant food safety concern across Taiwan.

The Taichung District Prosecutors Office had previously searched Zhonglian and three other oil companies, summoning 11 defendants. Yu Lingchong was among those detained, with prosecutors seeking to keep him in custody. However, late on July 10, the Taichung District Court ruled to grant him bail, citing his confession to the charges as a key factor. The court also considered the evidence already collected by investigators.

Despite the bail decision, prosecutors have appealed, arguing that Yu Lingchong still poses a flight risk and that detention is necessary for the ongoing investigation. The court's decision to grant bail was based on a comprehensive assessment, including Yu's admission of guilt, the existing evidence, and the imposition of restrictions such as limiting his residence, prohibiting him from leaving the country or going out to sea, and requiring him to report to the police at specified times. The court determined these measures would be sufficient to ensure his cooperation with the investigation without the need for pre-trial detention.