Carcinogen Found in Camellia Oil Products
Taiwan's camellia oil contamination scandal is expanding after health authorities identified eight batches containing excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). All eight batches were traced to the same oil refining plant in Chiayi, which has suspended operations while investigators determine the source of the contamination.
Camellia Oil Carcinogen Probe
Eight BaP-contaminated batches linked to Chiayi producer
Taiwan’s camellia oil contamination scandal is growing, with health authorities having identified eight batches with excessive levels of a carcinogen. Food safety experts say the contamination may have occurred when the raw materials were dried at high heat.
Su Wei-shuo (FOUNDER, NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISION ALLIANCE):
Direct-fire drying means hot air from direct combustion is blown directly onto the oil. Researchers and industry experts believe this is the main cause of [carcinogen] BaP contamination.
Officials say all eight batches were produced by the same oil refining plant in Chiayi. The plant has suspended operations while investigators determine the exact source of contamination.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s health minister says the government's focus is on whether camellia seeds imported from China are responsible.
