TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s health ministry fined Taichung-based Central Union Oil Corporation NT$165.2 million (US$5.6 million) for failing to report tainted soybean oil on time, CNA reported Tuesday.
Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the company reported the problem late and gave false information during the government’s investigation. CTEE reported that the fine was the largest ever issued by the central government in a food safety case.
UDN reported that the case involved 1,300 tonnes of soybean oil that contained excessive levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). BaP is a cancer-linked chemical that can form when food or oil is heated at high temperatures, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer.
The tainted oil was supplied to Ta Shan, Fu Shou, Fu Mao, and other companies. Officials said the case affected 18 products, 30 batches, and 360 businesses.
Shih said Namchow first found abnormal test results during its own checks on May 13. Central Union did not report the issue to food safety officials until June 30, more than six weeks after the first abnormal result was found.
The health ministry said there were delays at several points in the supply chain. Shih said Namchow, Fu Shou, Ta Shan, and Central Union all had reporting problems, and local health departments will issue more penalties, per Liberty Times.
The Food and Drug Administration said Central Union violated the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. Shih said officials set the fine based on the seriousness of the case, the delay in reporting, and the effect on the food market.
According to the ministry, Namchow informed Fu Shou of abnormal test results on June 10, and Fu Shou told Central Union the next day. Central Union tested the oil on June 16 and June 25, confirmed the contamination on June 29, and reported it to authorities on June 30.
