Nantou County Inspectors Conduct Daily Checks on Carcinogenic Oil; Hsu Shu-hua Commends Grassroots Efforts

In response to the carcinogenic oil issue, the Nantou County Government has continued inspections, recovering nearly 15,000 kilograms so far. Downstream manufacturers such as Fotomao and Fusou have returned over 40,000 kilograms. On July 21, Taichung City Government will host the 'Mayors' Anti-Toxic Oil Online Conference,' and Nantou County will be represented by Deputy Magistrate Wang Jui-te. The county government will propose establishing regulations on source management and local implementation rules to prevent similar incidents.

Amid nationwide anxiety over carcinogenic oil, Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua stated on the 20th that the county immediately launched inspection and product removal actions upon notification. As of July 19, 530 businesses—including restaurants, bakeries, manufacturers, retailers, and night market vendors—have been inspected, with nearly 15,000 kilograms of oil recovered. Downstream companies such as Fotomao and Fusou have returned approximately 41,382.416 kilograms. Inspectors have worked day and night on the front lines, even during typhoons, and Magistrate Hsu commended their dedication, expressing hope that the nation will soon overcome this crisis.

Magistrate Hsu announced that Deputy Magistrate Wang Jui-te will attend the 'Mayors' Anti-Toxic Oil Online Conference' hosted by Taichung City Government on July 21. At the meeting, Nantou County will recommend that when central authorities face food safety issues, an emergency response center should be established to unify public communication and prevent inconsistent messaging between central and local governments. As many downstream manufacturers are also innocent victims, the county proposes establishing a compensation mechanism similar to natural disaster relief to cover losses from oil recalls and destruction, as well as cases of public consumption. Furthermore, clear regulations should be established defining central and local responsibilities, including legal frameworks, source management, and local implementation details, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

According to the Nantou County Health Bureau, as of July 19, a total of 530 inspections have been conducted in relation to the Zhonglian soybean salad oil incident (349 restaurants, 37 retailers, 85 night market vendors, 22 manufacturers, and 37 bakeries). The amount removed from shelves includes 14,436.1 kilograms recovered from four manufacturers. Sixteen downstream retailers affiliated with Fusou and Fotomao had purchased a total of 41,382.416 kilograms, all of which have been returned.