Taiwan Charges 15 People, Four Companies Over Contaminated Cooking Oil

Prosecutors in Taiwan have charged 15 people and four companies over the sale and handling of cooking oil contaminated with a cancer-causing substance, following a major food safety scandal that has triggered public anger and political controversy.

The investigation began after Taiwan’s food regulator discovered that a batch of cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corp contained excessive levels of benzo(a)pyrene, a hydrocarbon linked to cancer.

More than 2,800 tonnes of the affected oil have since been removed from shops and taken off the market.

Companies Accused Of Delaying Recall

Prosecutors in Taichung, where Central Union is based, accused the company of delaying its report to authorities after the contamination was discovered.

They also alleged that the company failed to carry out a prompt recall as required under Taiwan’s food safety regulations.

Three companies that helped establish Central Union in 1995 have also been accused of knowingly using the contaminated oil before selling it to consumers after repackaging or blending it with other products.

Prosecutors said the companies had disregarded public health and acted with what they described as malicious intent.

15 People Face Charges

The four companies were charged alongside six executives and nine employees, according to prosecutors.

Authorities are seeking prison sentences of up to 14 years and fines of as much as NT$160 million, equivalent to about $5 million, under Taiwan’s food safety laws.

Scandal Sparks Political Tensions

The contaminated oil case has also developed into a major political issue in Taiwan.

Opposition parties have blamed President Lai Ching-te’s government over its handling of the scandal, while the government has defended its response.

Thousands of people recently attended an opposition rally calling for the resignation of the premier and health minister over the issue.

Both officials have rejected the calls to step down.

The criminal charges now mark a major development in the investigation, as authorities seek to establish who was responsible for allowing the contaminated cooking oil to reach consumers.