Taiwan toxic oil scandal prompts massive recalls and legal action

Taiwan’s food‑safety authorities have been grappling with a nationwide crisis after tests found the carcinogen benzopyrene in several batches of soybean salad oil produced by Zhonglian Oil. The company’s chief executive, Yu Ling‑chong, was ordered to post a NT$2 million bail, a decision the Taichung prosecutors have appealed.

Government agencies have recalled five problem batches totalling 1,641 tonnes, including products from downstream firms such as Taishan, Fu‑shou and Fu‑mao. The recall list, released by Taishan, names more than 6,400 shipments to major retailers and restaurants, including Costco, 7‑Eleven, and popular chains like Wa‑Cheng and Hualien.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued provisional “preventive removal” guidelines and is drafting stricter food‑safety legislation, mandating batch‑by‑batch testing of high‑risk ingredients and requiring independent directors for large food firms. Local officials, including Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu‑yan, have warned against hastening the re‑sale of the oil until the source of contamination is clarified.