Oil Oil Oil

A bottle of perilla oil called 'Local', but unable to provide proof of origin. What's wrong with Taiwan's food safety system? On July 29th, Shin Kong Biotechnology (永豐餘生技) voluntarily sent samples for testing and self-reported that their 'Local Golden Flower Small Fruit Perilla Oil' (在地金花小菓苦茶油) detected 2.9μg/kg of benzo[a]pyrene, exceeding Taiwan's limit of 2.0. The Taipei City Department of Health ordered a precautionary recall regardless of batch and inspected 13 GREEN&SAFE stores. Let me start by saying something fair: this batch of oil was tested and reported by the company itself. After the Zhonglian incident, such voluntary reporting is commendable, and we need more manufacturers willing to do this. But the real problem was revealed this afternoon. Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), said: 'Although the company claims the raw material is locally produced, they cannot provide specific proof of origin, and it is highly suspected that imported perilla seeds from China were used.' Currently, the source manufacturer, Yuanchun Oil Press (源春製油廠), has been ordered to stop production, and local health bureaus are cooperating with the Southern Regional Branch of the FDA to clarify the cause. A product named 'Local' Golden Flower Small Fruit Perilla Oil, yet the regulatory authority says the company cannot provide proof that the raw material is local. In fact, before the minister spoke, some people had already raised doubts. Veteran journalist Chen Chih-tung (陳志東) compiled a few points: Taiwan's perilla seeds are harvested between October and November each year, and usually become available in December or January of the following year. However, this product was launched in July of this year. A 250ml bottle of Taiwanese local small-fruited perilla oil typically costs close to NT$1,000 due to difficult harvesting and high processing costs. This bottle, however, is sold for NT$880.