Chinese oil tanker transport vehicle carries cooking oil without washing... Authorities launch investigation

"Biggest Food Safety Incident Since the 2008 Baby Formula Scandal"

A Chinese food company is under suspicion for using tank trucks to transport edible oil without properly cleaning them, prompting the Chinese government to launch an investigation.

The above photo and article content are unrelated.

According to local Chinese media on the 10th, it was revealed that numerous coal-to-liquid (CTL) fuel transport vehicles, which convert coal into synthetic petroleum, were used to transport edible oil and syrup without undergoing cleaning procedures.

Consuming oil contaminated with chemical fuel residues over a long period can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may even damage organs including the liver and kidneys.

This issue is reportedly linked to the Chinese state-owned enterprise Sinograin and the large private company Huifu. Chinese media also quoted a tanker truck driver who said that it is an open secret in the industry to consecutively transport chemical oil and food oil using the same tanker to reduce transportation costs.

Following the related reports, concerns and anger among Chinese citizens have been growing. Some netizens claim this is the largest food safety incident since the 2008 melamine scandal, in which children died after consuming contaminated infant formula. On social networking services (SNS), posts such as "Now we might have to go to Hong Kong to buy edible oil" are being shared.

In response, the Office of the Food Safety Commission of the State Council of China announced yesterday that it has formed a joint investigation team with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Transport to conduct a thorough investigation, and the results will be announced in a timely manner.