24 Schools in Taichung Used Problematic Cooking Oil; Taichung District Prosecutors Office Investigating Separately

(CNA, reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, July 4) Regarding the detection of excessive levels of the carcinogen "benzopyrene" in raw materials for cooking oil from Chung Lien Oil, the Taichung City Department of Education announced today that after investigation, 24 schools and 1 experimental education institution had used the problematic cooking oil. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has also opened a separate case to investigate and clarify the matter.

Regarding the detection of excessive "benzopyrene" in Chung Lien Oil's soybean salad oil, the Taichung City Department of Food and Drug Safety announced the second round of inspection results yesterday. The number of problematic oil products remained at 18, but the batch numbers increased to 30.

The Department of Food and Drug Safety continued to track the distribution, stating that Fwusow Industry's shipments to the nation totaled 138 businesses, and Fu-Shouh's shipments increased to a total of 149 businesses nationwide. Additionally, it was confirmed that Tai Shan Enterprise shipped to 13 downstream businesses in Taichung. The city government's cross-departmental teams are continuously inspecting various channels. All products have been removed from shelves according to regulations. The city government will continue its investigation, and any illegal activities will be punished according to the law to safeguard food safety.

In response to public concern about whether problematic cooking oil had entered schools, the Taichung City Department of Education explained today that after the Taichung City Department of Food and Drug Safety launched its second round of inspections and announced the second batch of problematic oil batch numbers, the Department of Education immediately conducted an investigation. A total of 24 schools and 1 experimental education institution had used the relevant cooking oil.

The Department of Education stated that it had notified the relevant schools and suppliers immediately to stop using, seal, remove from shelves, and recall the products. At the same time, schools were instructed to inform parents and explain the situation to fully protect students' dietary safety.

In terms of judicial proceedings, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office stated that it has opened a separate case and assigned the Taichung City Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Agency to retrieve data from relevant companies and agencies for investigation and clarification. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150704

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