Benzopyrene超标 in Tea Seed Oil! Company Reports Contamination, 939 Cans Sold — Refund and Replacement Info Here

The carcinogenic oil scandal continues to expand, now implicating tea seed oil. On the 21st, Lianjing Green Technology Co., Ltd. voluntarily reported that its 'Lianjing Tea Seed Oil' may have tested positive for benzopyrene at 2.9 μg/kg (standard: 2.0 μg/kg). On the evening of the 21st, the New Taipei City Health Bureau received the self-report from Lianjing Green Technology Co., Ltd. regarding suspected benzopyrene超标 in its tea seed oil. The company had already proactively notified downstream distributors to remove and recall the products.

On the 22nd, the Health Bureau, together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, conducted an on-site inspection. It was confirmed that a total of 5,024 cans (1,932 L) of this batch of tea seed oil were produced. Among them, 939 cans (234.75 L) had already entered the market: 'Organic Tea Seed Oil 250 mL (Lot No.: 26V224XW01)' sold at Cotton Field Biodynamic Garden, and 'President’s Organic Cold-Pressed Tea Seed Oil 250 mL (Lot No.: 26S624XW01)' sold at President’s Organic Health Supermarket. The remaining products were unsold and have been sealed.

On the 21st, Lianjing Green Technology Co., Ltd. voluntarily reported suspected benzopyrene超标 in its 'Lianjing Tea Seed Oil' and has initiated a consumer refund program. (Source: Lianjing website)

How does benzopyrene cause cancer?

Benzopyrene is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, transforming it into a highly reactive metabolite: benzopyrene diol epoxide (BPDE). BPDE is extremely reactive and can directly bind to DNA, forming DNA adducts that interfere with normal cell replication, leading to genetic mutations. If these damaged cells are not promptly repaired by the body, they may accumulate over time, increasing the risk of cancer.

The Health Bureau urges consumers who have purchased products from the affected batches to immediately stop consumption. For refund and replacement information, contact Lianjing’s customer service hotline at 02-29172068 or visit the Lianjing Mall website. Five tea seed oil samples were collected on-site and taken by the FDA for testing. Follow-up actions will be taken based on the test results. To ensure product safety, the Health Bureau has ordered the company to suspend all operations and halt sales of tea seed oil products effective immediately. Operations may only resume after the company submits an improvement report and supporting documentation in accordance with the 'Guidelines for Reducing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Food'.

The Health Bureau calls on food businesses to promptly and proactively report any suspected product issues and to preemptively remove such products from shelves, prioritizing consumer protection. According to Article 7 of the 'Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act', food businesses must implement self-management to ensure food safety and hygiene. Upon discovering any product that may pose a health risk, they must immediately cease manufacturing, processing, and sales, initiate a recall, and report to the relevant municipal or county (city) authority. If a food business is found by health authorities to have failed to report or take corrective actions, a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million may be imposed under Article 47 of the Act.

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