Taisugar Returns Zhonglian Crude Oil Amid Carcinogen Concerns; Shih Chong-liang Stresses: 'No Reporting Obligation for Raw Materials' – Acceptance Standards Set Autonomously by Taisugar

In the Zhonglian carcinogenic oil case, the Taichung District Court ruled on the 1st to detain and prohibit visits to Chen Ming-rong, plant manager of Zhonglian Oils & Fats, revealing that Taisugar had detected benzopyrene levels exceeding standards in crude oil raw materials as early as May and subsequently returned the shipment. However, Chen allegedly concealed the findings and failed to report them. Opposition parties have questioned why Taisugar did not report the incident after returning the goods. In response, Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chong-liang stated on the 2nd that current regulations under Article 17 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act only set a benzopyrene limit of 2.0 ppb for 'final edible oils,' not for semi-finished products or raw materials during processing.

Shih explained that Taisugar, operating under the HACCP system, established its own internal acceptance criteria for raw materials. Upon detecting benzopyrene levels exceeding its internal standards, Taisugar immediately returned the crude oil batch and switched to sourcing an alternative supply. He emphasized that this situation differs fundamentally from cases involving final edible oil products.

Shih clarified that the超标 benzopyrene levels detected by Taisugar pertained to 'crude unrefined oil,' not final consumer products. Following an investigation, Kaohsiung City’s Health Bureau confirmed that since the超标 result involved raw material rather than final edible oil, there was no legal obligation to report, and no violation of current regulations occurred.

He stressed that Taisugar’s case is distinct from Nampak’s. Nampak received 'final edible oil products' that were already超标, yet delayed reporting the findings. Taipei City’s Health Bureau has since imposed a fine of NT$3 million. In contrast, the contaminated crude oil from Zhonglian never entered the market.

Shih noted that Taisugar conducted 12 internal inspections this year, while Kaohsiung City’s Health Bureau carried out 12 random checks and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted 8 inspections—totaling 32 tests, all compliant with standards. Taisugar has demonstrated rigorous quality control and strict process management.

He added that the超标 crude oil remains stored within Zhonglian’s facility and has not entered circulation. After receiving notification on June 30, the FDA inspected the plant on July 1, sealed all related raw materials, and ordered operations to halt, ensuring no risk to consumers.

Shih stated, 'Active regulatory oversight ensures food safety and leaves no room for corporate negligence. To then question Taisugar or the Kaohsiung City government’s responsibility contradicts the very model of effective food safety management. I fail to see the logic behind such criticism.'