EXPLAINER/What is Taiwan's tainted cooking oil scandal?

Taipei, July 14 (CNA) Hundreds of food products have been recalled after excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were found in cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corp. Here is what happened and what it means.

What is benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)?

BaP is a cancer-causing substance that can form during high-temperature processing or incomplete combustion. Taiwan's legal limit is 2 parts per billion (ppb). One contaminated batch tested at 8 ppb, four times the legal limit.

Why is this such a big deal?

A downstream customer detected the problem in May. Health officials say Central Union was informed on June 11 but did not notify authorities until June 30. The company has since been fined NT$165.2 million for not immediately reporting the finding.

Why were so many products recalled?

Authorities found conflicting test results. Products made with Central Union oil exceeded safety limits, but some samples kept by Central Union of the oils used to make those tainted products tested within legal limits. Officials now suspect the company's retained samples may be unreliable, so they expanded the recall as a precaution.

What products are affected?

The precautionary recall covers all edible oil produced by Central Union between April and June, plus foods made with that oil. These include cooking oils, convenience store meals, instant noodles, bakery products, sauces, and restaurant dishes.

What happens now?

Officials are testing all remaining batches and tightening food safety rules. Products recalled as a precaution can only return to store shelves after passing safety inspections. Meanwhile, prosecutors are investigating whether Central Union broke food safety laws.

What has the government ordered?

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has ordered authorities to complete testing of all remaining samples within a week and prepare amendments to food safety rules. The government has also introduced batch-by-batch checks for products recalled as a precaution seeking to return to shelves.