Chung Lien Soybean Oil Contamination Affects 18 Products, 30 Batches; 17 Tons Recalled

(CNA, Taipei, July 3) Chung Lien's "Soybean Salad Oil" was found to exceed the legal limit for the carcinogen benzopyrene, affecting 1,300 metric tons that were supplied to three major brands: Taishan, Fwusow, and Formosa Oils & Fats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update today, stating that a total of 18 product items and 30 batches are affected, with 6 items already accounted for, totaling 17.422 metric tons.

On July 1, the FDA received a report from Chung Lien Oil Corporation, which had detected that a batch of soybean salad oil raw material, approximately 1,300 metric tons, supplied to Fwusow Industry Co., Ltd., Formosa Oils & Fats Co., Ltd., and Taishan Enterprise Co., Ltd., exceeded the regulatory limit for the carcinogen "benzopyrene." This has led to the recall of 18 product items and 30 batches.

FDA Director-General Chiang Yu-jen hosted a press conference this afternoon titled "FDA Update on Affected Oil Product Recall and Disposal." He stated that the case falls under Category 8, "Violation of Hygiene Standards," according to the "Principles for Handling Food Violations - Product Recall, Seizure, and Destruction," necessitating the first-level measure of product recall.

Therefore, Chiang stated, the FDA requires that all "Chung Lien Soybean Salad Oil" with "batch number 315-1150404, manufacturing date 20260404, expiration date 20260930" and its repacked products must be recalled.

Chiang emphasized that the FDA currently has a three-tiered inspection and control process for edible oil manufacturing plants with a capital of NT$30 million or more. The first tier is regular self-inspection, the second tier is commissioned external inspection with a minimum frequency of once every six months, and the third tier is post-market sampling.

Chiang cited the past incident involving maleic anhydride (toxic starch) as an example, explaining that the first tier involved problem starch with illegal additives. The second tier involved products made with this problem starch. Because it was an intentional external adulteration, there was no standard for its toxicity, hence the need for a comprehensive recall of the second-tier products.

Regarding benzopyrene, Chiang explained that it is a substance that can be generated during the manufacturing process and has established standards in Taiwan, with clear risks. In other words, if detected substances are approved additives, naturally occurring during the process, or toxic and harmful substances, the second-tier products will not be subject to a full recall based on the safety assessment approved by the Food Risk Assessment Advisory Committee.

Chiang said that the second-tier product manufacturers are also innocent victims, and the risk is low. Therefore, the central government will not disclose the list of 291 related companies. "I have the list here, but experts advise against its disclosure."

"This incident involves multiple cities and multiple batches. The FDA has set a deadline for the recall, which is until this afternoon," Chiang reiterated. The goal is to swiftly remove problematic products from the market and ensure public health. The FDA will promptly announce any further updates on recall quantities to keep the public informed.

Benzopyrene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Taichung City Department of Health previously explained that "benzopyrene" is a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon commonly found in high-temperature processing of oils and fats, posing potential health risks. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150703

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