Zhonglian Oil employees allegedly flagged toxic raw materials months ago, company declines comment

Allegations have surfaced that employees at Zhonglian Oil Company detected problems with soybean raw materials as early as April, flagging them as "rotten" and "unusual," but that management failed to take immediate action or conduct third-party testing. The company has responded by stating it is "inconvenienced" to comment on the matter, citing widespread rumors and awaiting official investigation results.

Media reports indicate that investigators reviewing communication records found evidence of employees raising concerns about the imported soybeans. Despite these internal warnings, top management, including General Manager Yu Ling-chong, allegedly did not promptly address the issue or submit the materials for independent examination.

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There are many rumors. I don't know the content and basis of the investigation. It is inconvenient to respond.

When contacted, a Zhonglian Oil representative, identified as Manager Jiang, stated he was unaware of the specifics of the investigation and could not comment. He added that the company would refrain from further statements until the investigation by prosecutors and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is complete.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai strongly condemned the company's alleged actions, stating that "unscrupulous businesses should go bankrupt." He highlighted a regulatory gap, noting that current laws only set limits for benzopyrene in edible oils, not in the raw materials or during refining stages. Chen called for legislative reform to establish a comprehensive, "whole-process traceability management" system for oil products, similar to European Union standards.

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Unscrupulous businesses should go bankrupt.