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Taiwan food safety crisis: Benzo[a]pyrene detected in multiple edible oils
Taiwan is facing a significant food safety crisis as benzo[a]pyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen, has been detected in multiple types of edible oils. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 13 oil mills across the country have produced products exceeding legal limits. The latest wave of contamination involves black sesame oil from Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd., which was found to contain 3.2 μg/kg of benzo[a]pyrene, surpassing the 2.0 μg/kg limit. Approximately 360 bottles of this product were distributed to the retailer Sheng De Ke Si.
In response, the Taipei City Government has launched a fourth wave of expanded testing targeting high-market-share sesame oils and online retailers. The FDA has announced that it will begin on-site inspections and guidance for the non-compliant mills starting in September. Experts advise that maintaining roasting temperatures below 180°C can help mitigate the formation of this carcinogen.
Amidst the controversy, New Taipei City officials have conducted inspections of catering facilities to ensure the safety of the 323,000 daily free nutritious lunches provided to local students. The city has emphasized strict management of ingredient sourcing and processing to prevent contaminated oils from entering school meals.
Entities
Chiayi City Government · Food and Drug Administration · New Taipei City Government · Sheng De Ke Si · Taipei City Government · Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Thirteen oil mills across Taiwan have produced products with benzo[a]pyrene levels exceeding legal limits. news.pchome.com.tw · www.peoplenews.tw
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Benzo[a]pyrene is a Group 1 carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). www.epochtimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A specific batch of 'Ma You Che' premium cold-pressed black sesame oil tested at 3.2 μg/kg, exceeding the 2.0 μg/kg limit. news.pchome.com.tw · www.peoplenews.tw
- [● 2 SOURCES] New Taipei City provides daily free nutritious lunches to 323,000 students and has inspected 14 catering providers to ensure food safety. pingtungtimes.com.tw · www.thehubnews.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A total of 360 bottles of the contaminated black sesame oil were distributed to the retailer Sheng De Ke Si. www.peoplenews.tw
- [● 2 SOURCES] To prevent benzo[a]pyrene formation, experts recommend keeping sesame roasting temperatures below 180°C. news.pchome.com.tw · www.peoplenews.tw
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The FDA will begin on-site inspections and guidance for the 13 non-compliant oil mills starting in September. news.pchome.com.tw
- [● 2 SOURCES] Taipei City has launched a fourth round of testing targeting high-market-share sesame oils and online retailers. news.nextapple.com · www.peoplenews.tw