【New News】Any Cooking Oil May Contain Carcinogenic Benzopyrene, Experts Urge Nationwide Investigation

Twelve years have passed since the Ting Hsin tainted oil scandal, which prompted the government to revise and strengthen the Food Safety Act. However, recent reports have revealed that Zhonglian soybean salad oil contains benzopyrene, a known carcinogen, and multiple brands of tea seed oil also exceed safe benzopyrene levels.

Professor Chen Binghui, Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Food Science, stated that not only soybean and tea seed oils but any oil product could potentially contain benzopyrene. Except for a few cold-pressed varieties—including olive oil—most oils undergo high-temperature drying and roasting before refining. When temperatures reach between 300°C and 350°C, significant amounts of benzopyrene may be generated.

To prevent such incidents from recurring, Professor Chen recommends that central and local governments collaborate on a full-scale inspection of all edible oils sold domestically, ensuring public safety and restoring consumer confidence.