TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Food and Drug Administration ordered a large-scale recall of soybean cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corp. (中聯油脂) after testing found levels of a carcinogenic compound exceeding the legal limit by more than four times.
The agency said it launched an investigation after receiving a voluntary report from Chung Lien that self-inspection detected 8.1 micrograms per kilogram of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in one batch of soybean salad oil. Taiwan's maximum allowable limit is 2 micrograms per kilogram, per a Ministry of Health and Welfare press release.
The affected product is cooking oil, batch No. 315-1150404, manufactured on April 4, 2026, with an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2026.
According to the agency, approximately 1,300 tonnes of the contaminated oil had already been distributed to downstream manufacturers before the issue was identified. Shipments included 291 tonnes to Taishan (泰山), 421 tonnes to Fu Shou (福壽), and 588 tonnes to Fu Mao (福懋).
The FDA said all three manufacturers began recalling affected products immediately after being notified, with authorities overseeing the recall process. The agency said distribution records indicate about 15 downstream products may be affected, urging consumers not to use any affected products.
Benzo[a]pyrene is a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that can form during food processing or result from environmental contamination. Taiwan regulates the concentration in edible oils to protect public health, with food manufacturers required to implement self-monitoring systems to ensure products comply with food safety standards.
The agency reminded food businesses that failure to report contaminated products as required under the Food Safety Act results in fines ranging from NT$30,000 (US$942) to NT$3 million, per the press release.
