Contaminated Oil Affects 165 Schools; Ministry of Education States Catering Companies Will Not Be Penalized if They Follow Regulations

(CNA, reporter Chen Zhi-zhong, Hsinchu, July 7) The Zhonglian oil controversy has affected the lunches of 165 schools. Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien stated today that the priority will be to ensure student health. If catering companies have declared their ingredients according to regulations and still used contaminated oil, they will be considered victims and will not be penalized.

The carcinogenic substance benzopyrene in Zhonglian oil exceeding the standard has raised food safety concerns. According to Ministry of Education statistics, Zhonglian oil has affected 3 companies, and 4 counties/cities with 165 schools have reported using the related oil products. The Ministry of Education has instructed all schools to immediately cease use and to proactively remove the oil and related products from shelves.

The Ministry of Education held the 115th National Education Bureau and Department Directors Meeting in Hsinchu County today. Deputy Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien, in a media interview after the meeting, was asked if a health tracking mechanism for affected students could be established and if catering companies that unfortunately purchased the contaminated oil would be punished.

Chang Liao Wan-chien said that they will continue to communicate with affected county and city governments and provide full assistance. The current system has established a food ingredient registration platform, allowing for traceability of all ingredients, thus enabling the identification and immediate removal of problematic ingredients.

Chang Liao Wan-chien stated that local governments will subsequently review the contract terms of the catering companies. If the companies have registered traceable ingredients on the platform according to regulations, and the entire procurement process has not violated relevant laws, they will generally be considered "victims," and "there will be no specific penalties for this part."

However, Chang Liao Wan-chien added that aspects involving regulations such as the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act" will be reviewed and penalized by the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to clarify the responsibilities of the companies.

Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao also added that they will continue to maintain contact with local governments. Oils that cannot guarantee safety will continue to be monitored, "student health and safety must be the sole criterion." (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150707

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