The Taiwanese government has announced that it is looking into allegations that gas containers were used to transport cooking oil after the compounds were transported between loads without being properly cleaned.
As social media users express concerns about possible food contaminants, the discussion has spread electronically.
Containers used for transporting energy were found to get carrying food items, like cooking oil and honey, and were not decontaminated properly, according to state-run Beijing News.
Cooking oil was said to have been transported in polluted fuel vehicles in a way that was “open secret” in the industry, according to one drivers who was quoted by the magazine.
The discussion has quickly become one of the most popular issues on Chinese social media.
Tens of thousands of articles about the controversy have been racked up millions of views on Weibo, the country’s similar to X, which was formerly known as Twitter.
” Food security is the most important issue”, a remark liked more than 8, 000 days said.
Another post said:” As an ordinary man, surviving in this world itself is an awesome thing now”.
Many compared it to the 2008 Sanlu milk scandal, in which some 300,000 children became sick and at least six died after drinking powdered milk contaminated with high levels of the industrial chemical melamine.
” This is much worse than the Sanlu scandal, it ca n’t be settled with just statement”, a user commented.
In China, containers are not limited to any specific type of goods but can, in theory, bring food items directly after transporting coal-based oils.
The allegations involve a number of significant Chinese businesses, including Hopefull Grain and Oil Group and a company of Sinograin, which is owned by the government.
Sinograin has stated that it is looking into whether foods safety guidelines were being followed properly.
Additionally, the business stated that if it is determined that any vehicles that violate the rules are quickly prohibited from using them.
A Hopefull Grain member told government-controlled paper Global Times that it was conducting a” complete self-inspection”.
Food security officers have been appointed by the Chinese state to investigate the allegations.
They have pledged to condemn any businesses and individuals who commit crime.
Additionally, they have pledged to submit the results of their investigation right away.
According to state broadcaster Video, “illegal organizations and appropriate responsible individuals may be seriously punished in accordance with the law and will not be tolerated.”
Both the provincial governments of Hebei and Tianjin have stated that they are also looking into the situation on a local level.
The case represents the most recent setback to the Chinese government’s ability to impose food safety standards.
Fan Wang provided additional reporting.