Another Batch of Toxic Oil Uncovered! Taisun Oil Found with Excessive Benzopyrene – Shih Chong-liang: Prosecutors Fully Involved

The toxic oil scandal involving Zhonglian Oils continues to escalate. Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has imposed a record fine of NT$165.2 million (approximately USD 5.3 million) on Zhonglian Oils for delayed reporting and alleged false statements, marking the highest penalty ever issued in a central government food safety case. Minister Shih Chong-liang announced on the 8th that prosecutors have fully intervened in the investigation to determine whether legal violations occurred in the reporting and manufacturing processes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a full list of affected products and mandated preventive recalls across the board. Products cannot be relisted for sale until safety is confirmed through testing.

Additionally, on the evening of the 7th, MOHW received another report indicating that a batch of cooking oil from Taisun tested positive for excessive levels of benzopyrene. Authorities are currently tracing the batch numbers and distribution channels. Shih emphasized that prosecutors have launched a comprehensive investigation into Zhonglian Oils, scrutinizing both the reporting procedures and production processes for potential misconduct.

The FDA has required all related products to be either recalled or placed under preventive suspension. Sales will only resume after retesting confirms compliance with safety standards. Furthermore, all oil products manufactured by Zhonglian between April and June this year have been halted from production, and samples are undergoing re-inspection. Results will be publicly disclosed.

Regarding future food safety measures, Shih explained that while initial actions were based on expert recommendations targeting first-tier oil products, the scope has now been expanded to a full preventive recall to address public concerns and improve implementation efficiency.

The MOHW has mandated three concurrent measures: batch-by-batch inspection of Zhonglian's oil products, on-site audits at other oil manufacturing facilities, and enhanced post-market sampling inspections in coordination with local health bureaus. Industry players are also required to strengthen their self-inspection mechanisms.

However, the situation continues to expand. Shih revealed that another report came in late on the 7th, confirming that a batch of Taisun cooking oil contained benzopyrene at 2.5 ppb—exceeding safety limits. MOHW and local health authorities are currently tracking the batch numbers and distribution routes, with further updates expected.

On the 8th, the Legislative Yuan's Health and Environment Committee demanded a special report from MOHW on the food safety crisis. Kuomintang legislator Chen Ching-hui questioned why, despite President Lai Ching-te's statement that 'accountability must be enforced,' the MOHW has not issued a public apology, suggesting a lack of intent to pursue administrative responsibility.

Chen cited a 2016 study by FDA Commissioner Chiang Chih-kang when he was an academic, which criticized Taiwan's inadequate food safety risk management, poor communication mechanisms, and weak industry self-regulation. She sarcastically remarked, 'Academic Chiang is now criticizing Commissioner Chiang.'

In response, Shih stressed that the core issue lies in Zhonglian's delayed reporting. The company detected abnormal oil quality as early as May 13 but only reported it to authorities on June 30, depriving the government of the critical window to recall contaminated products promptly and resulting in greater public harm. This justified the severe penalty. As for administrative accountability, Shih stated that a comprehensive review will be conducted once the investigation concludes and responsibilities are clarified.

Additional exclusive reports from Storm Media: • Cancer-causing oil scandal widens—military rations affected: Ministry of National Defense confirms 104 barrels procured, 56 already used • Beyond the NT$160 million fine—232 carcinogenic oil products fully recalled: Shih insists no sales without safety certification • Convenience store rice balls and hot pot ingredients implicated—list of contaminated products revealed; netizens compile top 10 well-known brands, shocked: 'I ate these almost daily'