Taichung Investigates Problematic Cooking Oil; Over 1,000 Market, Night Market, and Business District Vendors Post 'Safety Announcements' to Implement Self-Inspections

Following the detection of excessive benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in soybean salad oil produced by Zhonglian Oils Co., Ltd., Taichung City's Economic Development Bureau has continued inspecting food vendors in markets, night markets, and commercial districts regarding their use of cooking oil, and is guiding vendors to implement self-inspections and preventive product removal measures. To date, over 1,000 vendors across public markets, private markets, night markets, and commercial districts have posted 'Safety Announcements' at their premises, proactively disclosing their oil sources and confirming through self-inspection that they are not using the affected oil products, thereby enhancing transparency and allowing consumers to shop with confidence.

The Economic Development Bureau stated that, in addition to ongoing oil inspections, it is encouraging vendors to proactively disclose the brand, supplier, and sourcing information of their cooking oil. By posting 'Safety Announcements,' vendors are demonstrating their commitment to self-managing food safety. As of now, 316 public markets, 68 private markets, 20 outsourced markets, 462 night market stalls, and 139 commercial district food vendors have completed posting the announcements, taking concrete actions to boost consumer confidence.

The Bureau noted that self-governing organizations such as markets, night markets, commercial districts, and the pastry industry association have also actively responded. The Taichung City Pastry and Bakery Trade Association stated it has required members to use only certified cooking oils and strengthen self-inspections to jointly safeguard food safety. Twenty-three commercial district management committees have used social media platforms to promote self-inspections among vendors and assisted in guiding them to post Safety Announcements. The Jianguo Public Market Self-Governance Association and the Fengjia Night Market Management Committee stated that upon receiving the news, they immediately conducted self-inspections and preventive removals according to the strictest standards, and used social media to inform consumers of their actions, demonstrating a firm commitment to protecting food safety.

The Economic Development Bureau emphasized that the city government will continue inspecting cooking oil use among vendors in markets, night markets, vendor clusters, and commercial districts, urging them to implement self-management of food safety and verify sourcing. If problematic oil is discovered, vendors will be immediately required to cease sales, remove, and recall products, with follow-up inspections to monitor improvements. Through a dual approach combining government inspections and vendor self-management, the city aims to jointly safeguard citizens' food safety and create a secure and trustworthy consumption environment.