Taipei: Hundreds of food products have been recalled in Taiwan after excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were discovered in cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corp. The unfolding scandal has raised significant concerns over food safety in the region.
According to Focus Taiwan, BaP is a cancer-causing substance that can form during high-temperature processing or incomplete combustion. In Taiwan, the legal limit for BaP is set at 2 parts per billion (ppb). However, tests revealed that one contaminated batch contained BaP at 8 ppb, which is four times the legal limit. This discovery was first made by a downstream customer in May, but Central Union did not notify authorities until June 30, despite being informed on June 11. As a result, the company faces a fine of NT$165.2 million for the delayed reporting.
The scope of the recall was expanded due to conflicting test results. While products made with Central Union oil exceeded safety limits, samples retained by Central Union of the oils used in these products tested within legal limits. This discrepancy led authorities to suspect the reliability of the company's retained samples, prompting a precautionary expansion of the recall.
The recall affects all edible oil produced by Central Union between April and June, in addition to foods made with that oil. Impacted items include cooking oils, convenience store meals, instant noodles, bakery products, sauces, and restaurant dishes. Authorities are conducting tests on all remaining batches and have tightened food safety regulations. Recalled products can only return to the market after passing safety inspections. Meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating potential violations of food safety laws by Central Union.
Premier Cho Jung-tai has mandated that all remaining samples be tested within a week and has called for amendments to food safety regulations. The government has introduced batch-by-batch checks for recalled products seeking to return to shelves, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.