Aconpure Voluntarily Reports Benzopyrene Detection in Camellia Oil; Health Department Orders Immediate Production Halt and Recall

On the evening of the 21st, the New Taipei City Health Department received a voluntary notification from Aconpure Green Technology Co., Ltd. that its produced Aconpure camellia oil tested positive for benzopyrene at 2.9 μg/kg (standard: 2.0 μg/kg). At the time of notification, the company had already proactively informed downstream distributors to remove and recall related products.

On the 22nd, the Health Department, together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, conducted an on-site inspection. The investigation revealed that this batch of camellia oil totaled 5,024 bottles (1,932 liters). Among them, the 'Organic Camellia Oil 250 mL (Lot No.: 26V224XW01)' was sold at Cotton Field Organic Garden, and the 'Uni-President Vitality Cold-Pressed Camellia Oil 250 mL (Lot No.: 26S624XW01)' was sold at Uni-President Vitality Organic Supermarket, totaling 939 bottles (234.75 liters). The remaining products were unsold and have been sealed.

The Health Department urges consumers who have purchased products from the affected batches to immediately discontinue consumption. For return and exchange information, please contact Aconpure's customer service hotline at 02-29172068 or visit the Aconpure Mall website (https://mall.aconpure.com/?srsltid=AfmBOori-IGEyVsLCq7JI0_MTJDy_68bG9fI1tdiDKNPr9yFasKQeFD4).

Additionally, five camellia oil samples were collected on-site and taken by the FDA for testing. Follow-up actions will be determined based on the test results. To ensure product quality and safety, the Health Department has ordered the company to suspend all operations and cease the sale of camellia oil products effective immediately. Resumption of operations and sales will only be permitted after the company submits an improvement report and relevant documentation in accordance with the 'Guidelines for Reducing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Food'.

The Health Department reiterates that food manufacturers must promptly and proactively report any suspected product issues and conduct preventive recalls, prioritizing consumer safety. According to Article 7 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act, food businesses must implement self-management to ensure food safety. Upon discovering any product that may pose a health risk, they must immediately halt manufacturing, processing, and sales, initiate recalls, and report to the local competent authority.

If health authorities find that a food business has violated these regulations by failing to report or implement corrective actions, a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$3 million will be imposed under Article 47 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act.