Taiwan raids Chiayi oil mill over toxic counterfeit camellia seed oil

This edible oil safety incident, which has drawn widespread public attention, stems from a recent investigation by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office into Weijia International Co., Ltd. The company is suspected of illegally importing camellia seeds produced in mainland China and mixing them with raw materials from other origins or domestic sources to manufacture and sell cooking oil. To further clarify the case details and trace the distribution of the problematic oil, prosecutors and investigators launched a cross-jurisdictional joint operation. On the 4th of this month, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office directed the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau, in coordination with the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, to execute searches at Weijia Company and the Yuanchun Oil Mill located in the Chiayi area. Authorities simultaneously summoned relevant individuals involved for questioning to clear up concerns regarding oil safety.

During the joint operation, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office directed investigation bureau agents to search the Yuanchun Oil Mill in Chiayi. Aside from seizing a large volume of key evidence—including purchase receipts, shipping details, and account books—investigators also conducted a comprehensive inspection of the oil-making equipment and raw material storage conditions within the facility. To thoroughly clarify the case, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office immediately summoned the Wu brothers, who operate the oil mill, for interrogation. Prosecutors stated that one of the core objectives of this investigation is to trace and clarify the specific cause and source of the "benzo[a]pyrene" content previously detected in commercially available camellia oil products.

Regarding benzo[a]pyrene, which has garnered significant attention in this case, it is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon typically generated during the incomplete combustion or high-temperature heating of organic substances. In the production and processing of edible oils, poor raw material quality, excessively high roasting temperatures, improper process equipment control, or the use of contaminated materials and inferior oil seeds for pressing can very likely lead to benzo[a]pyrene residues in the final oil product. Because the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies benzo[a]pyrene as a human carcinogen, long-term or excessive consumption may pose potential risks to human health. Consequently, strict hygiene standards and regulations regarding benzo[a]pyrene content in edible oils are enforced both domestically and internationally.

Camellia oil has long enjoyed the reputation of being the "oriental olive oil" in Taiwan's traditional culinary culture. Because of its high smoke point, abundance of monounsaturated fatty acids, and richness in various nutrients, it has consistently been a high-end, premium edible oil commanding higher prices and attracting strong attention in the consumer market. Precisely because the market unit price of camellia oil is significantly higher than that of regular soybean oil or cooking oil, some unscrupulous operators, eyeing the massive commercial profits, take calculated risks by mixing in inferior raw materials, passing off imported low-priced raw materials as premium domestic camellia seeds, or cutting costs through improper manufacturing processes. Such illegal acts not only severely disrupt fair market competition mechanisms but also directly impact consumers' health rights and trust in food safety.

In recent years, the level of attention paid to food safety in Taiwanese society has reached an unprecedented high, with both central and local governments continuously strengthening origin controls and retail sampling mechanisms for various livelihood consumer goods. However, to pursue exorbitant profits, unlawful elements often exploit complex supply chains and loopholes in origin labeling to conduct illicit activities. This highlights the importance of joint cross-jurisdictional investigations by prosecutorial and investigative agencies to strengthen the tracing of raw material imports and production histories. The in-depth investigation and search operations conducted by prosecutors and investigators will not only help clarify the actual transaction details and attribution of responsibility between Weijia Company and Yuanchun Oil Mill, but will also further deter the circulation of unwholesome oils in the market, safeguarding the dietary safety of the nation's citizens.

Following the questioning of the Wu brothers and the seizure of relevant purchase documents, prosecutorial and investigative authorities will conduct detailed comparisons and forensics on the seized evidence. They will deeply investigate the actual import volume and distribution scope of the problematic camellia seeds, as well as whether other accomplices or downstream manufacturers are involved. The subsequent handling of this case still relies on judicial authorities to continuously clarify relevant legal responsibilities and publish specific investigation results to respond to the public's expectations for food safety and the truth, while simultaneously serving as a warning to the domestic oil manufacturing industry, urging operators to conduct lawful business and maintain market order.

(Source: Central News Agency)