Chung Lien Fined NT$160 Million by FDA for Delayed Reporting, Highest Central Government Fine in History

Taipei, July 7 (CNA) Regarding the ongoing case of excessive carcinogens in Chung Lien cooking oil, Minister of Health and Welfare Shieh Jhy-wey stated that an investigation found Chung Lien delayed its report and provided false information during the investigation process. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has imposed a fine of NT$165.2 million based on the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, the highest fine ever issued by the central government. Additionally, fines have been levied against Nan Chiao, Fu Shou, and Tai Shan for similar delays.

Chung Lien's "Soybean Salad Oil" was found to exceed the limit for the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene. A total of 1,300 metric tons were supplied to Tai Shan, Fu Shou, and Fu Mao, affecting 18 products across 30 batches, with 360 businesses impacted. Opposition parties have repeatedly called for Shieh Jhy-wey and Director-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Chiang Tze-kang to take political responsibility and resign over the oil incident.

Shieh Jhy-wey attended the "100 Exemplars of Clinical Nursing Value" award ceremony this afternoon. When asked by reporters about the Chung Lien cooking oil carcinogen exceeding the limit case, he said that as long as he holds public office, he will do his utmost for the health and well-being of the nation. Regarding external doubts about Chung Lien's delayed reporting, an investigation confirmed this to be true, and false statements were also discovered during the investigation by the competent authority.

The FDA determined that the company violated Article 15 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act and, in accordance with Article 44, the FDA imposed a fine of NT$160 million. Shieh Jhy-wey stated that this amount was calculated based on a comprehensive assessment of the severity of the violation and the extent of the impact caused by its sale, and it is the highest fine that can be imposed according to the law.

Shieh Jhy-wey indicated that the current investigation shows Nan Chiao discovered its product exceeded the limit in its self-inspection on May 13, but Chung Lien did not report to the competent authority until June 30, indicating a significant delay. From Nan Chiao, Fu Shou, Tai Shan, and all the way to Chung Lien, the overall reporting process experienced delays. Relevant responsibilities will be pursued according to the law, and local health bureaus will sequentially impose penalties.

Shieh Jhy-wey further explained that although Nan Chiao was the first company to discover the excess in its self-inspection, it failed to immediately report to the local health authorities after obtaining the inspection results on May 13, thus violating relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act. Local health bureaus will impose penalties according to the law.

Nan Chiao's self-inspection of this batch of oil in May found that the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene exceeded the limit. On June 10, it notified its first-tier downstream customer Fu Shou of the abnormality. Fu Shou notified Chung Lien on June 11. Chung Lien sent the samples for testing on June 16 and 25. The report on June 29 confirmed the abnormality, and Chung Lien reported to the FDA on June 30. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150707

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