Controversy Over Re-Shelving of 19 Batches of Chung Lian Oil; Shih Chong-liang Assures Safety

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced yesterday (21st) that 19 batches of oil from Chung Lian Oils & Fats, which passed inspection, can be re-shelved. However, the decision has sparked criticism from multiple legislators today. In response, Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chong-liang stated that the re-shelving decision was made based on scientific evidence and investigation results, with all 19 batches having passed individual inspections and meeting safety standards, urging the public to remain assured.

This morning, the Social Welfare and Public Health Committee of the Legislative Yuan invited relevant agencies to deliver a special report on the causes, distribution channels, inspections, information disclosure, risk assessments, class-action lawsuits, compensation mechanisms, administrative accountability, and future improvement measures regarding carcinogenic edible oils. Prior to the session, Minister Shih addressed media inquiries, responding to concerns raised by local leaders such as Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, who oppose the re-shelving of the 19 oil batches.

Shih explained that the incident originated from an over-limit notification received on July 7. Upon re-testing samples retained by Chung Lian, the results were within normal limits, casting doubt on the reliability of the original samples and test reports. To ensure food safety and prevent any over-limit oil from remaining on the market, the FDA announced a preventive, full-scale removal of all Chung Lian oil products manufactured between April and June on July 9, along with comprehensive testing of downstream products.

Shih stated that the FDA completed testing of all samples by July 19, confirming the results for each batch. Of the 30 batches, 7 exceeded limits, 1 was exported overseas with no sample available, and 3 remained in storage tanks and were not shipped. The remaining 19 batches on the market were all compliant with standards. Therefore, yesterday’s announcement allowed all qualified products to return to shelves, a decision grounded in scientific evidence, investigation results, and test reports. He emphasized that these products are safe.

Regarding one batch of oil from April to June that was exported to South Korea, legislators criticized the incident as “embarrassing the country internationally.” They pointed out that South Korea’s benzo[a]pyrene standard for edible oils is stricter than Taiwan’s, with an allowable limit of just 1 ppb for infant oils. In response, Shih emphasized that since Taiwan does not possess a sample of that batch, authorities immediately notified South Korea, urging local importers to conduct thorough inspections and quality control.