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7 clusters · 17 sources · 31 days · First seen · Last updated

Taiwan edible oil contamination and food safety crisis

Overview

In late July 2026, the Taipei City Health Bureau investigated Yongfu Yu Biotech after its In-land Golden Flower Bitter Tea Oil exceeded legal benzopyrene limits. This led to fraud charges against Weiga Co., batch withdrawals, and a plant manager’s detention. By early August, contamination was also found in Lianjing Company products, prompting new PAH-reduction guidelines and an inquiry into raw-material sources. On 8 August, the Ministry of Health and Welfare defended its policy that oil containing benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) above a 20% threshold must be removed from the market, stating the standard is based on scientific review rather than “political pressure.” Following the discovery that Zhonglian Oil Co. concealed excess BaP levels, the FDA coordinated on-site investigations with prosecutors. By mid-August, the FDA reported eight facilities had produced camellia oil exceeding legal limits. One case involved Tonggu Industrial Co., Ltd.’s “Ma You Che” Premium Cold-Pressed Camellia Oil, which tested at 2.1 μg/kg. By late August, the crisis expanded to 13 oil mills, including a contamination finding in black sesame oil from Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd. containing 3.2 μg/kg of BaP. By late August, the number of identified non-compliant mills rose to 15. Following a self-report by Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd., 360 bottles of “Ma You Che Cold Pressed Black Sesame Oil” (expiring in 2028) were recalled, with the retailer Sheng De Ke Si suspending sales and offering refunds. The FDA identified potential contamination causes including the use of biomass fuels like dry branches for heating, uneven roasting temperatures, and the repeated heating of residue in equipment. In response, the Taipei City Government launched a fourth wave of testing targeting high-market-share sesame oils and online retailers. The FDA announced it will begin on-site inspections and guidance for non-compliant mills in September.

Entities

Food and Drug Administration · Tong Gou Industrial Co., Ltd. · Shi Chong‑liang · Shih Chong‑liang · Taipei City Health Bureau

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 23 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Taiwan FDA recalls black sesame oil over carcinogen levels

    Taiwan's FDA is recalling black sesame oil after detecting excessive benzo(a)pyrene. A total of 15 oil mills have been linked to contaminated camellia and sesame oils due to production risks.

  2. 25 days ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Taiwan food safety crisis: Benzo[a]pyrene detected in multiple edible oils

    Taiwan faces a food safety crisis as benzo[a]pyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen, is detected in 13 oil mills, including black sesame oil. Authorities have launched expanded testing and inspections.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Taiwan FDA flags eight oil producers for carcinogenic levels in camellia oil

    Eight oil producers in Taiwan have been flagged for camellia oil exceeding benzo[a]pyrene safety limits. The FDA is initiating on-site guidance and industry exchanges to mitigate production risks.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Taiwan Health Ministry Defends 20% Toxic Oil Removal Standard

    Taiwan's Health Ministry upheld a 20% benzo[a]pyrene threshold for oil removal, citing expert advice and pledging responsibility amid criticism.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Taipei City Health Bureau orders recall of contaminated bitter tea oil

    Taipei City Health Bureau recalled contaminated bitter tea oil after benzo[a]pyrene was found, fined Weijia Company NT$3 million for false sourcing claims, and launched broader testing of oil products.

  6. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Weiga Co. executives released on bail amid Taiwan bitter tea oil contamination case

    Weiga Co. faces fraud charges after Taiwanese bitter tea oil was found to contain excess benzopyrene; executives posted bail and eight batches were recalled.

  7. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Bitter Tea Oil Contaminated with Benzopyrene, Taipei Health Agency Orders Recall

    Taipei health officials recalled bitter tea oil after Yongfu Yu Biotech reported benzopyrene levels (2.9 µg/kg) above the 2.0 µg/kg limit, ordering full recall and refunds, while the health ministry cited a科学‑基

Sources

bccnews.com.tw · epochtimes.com · folgefonnsenteret.no · health.ettoday.net · heartbeats.jp · ltvnews.net · myhousing.com.tw · news.cnyes.com · news.m.pchome.com.tw · nextapple.com.sg · peoplenews.tw · pingtungtimes.com.tw · saintmichaels.org.uk · tamers2021.hateblo.jp · taronews.tw · thehubnews.net · tw.nextapple.com

This summary has been updated 7 times: see revision history