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Chinese Government Launches Food Safety Investigation
Stay informed about the latest developments as the Chinese Government initiates a comprehensive investigation into food safety issues, ensuring consumer well-being and regulatory compliance.
The Chinese government announced it would initiate a thorough food safety investigation following public outrage sparked by a recent news report. The report revealed that a tanker truck had transported liquefied coal before being used to carry cooking oil without proper sterilization.
Reported Incident Details
Last week, The Beijing News reported that a tanker truck previously used for industrial coal oil was loaded with soybean oil without undergoing sterilization in between. The incident occurred in late May in Yanjiao, Hebei, near Beijing. Truckers interviewed for the report disclosed that tankers were often not cleaned before being loaded with various substances like cooking oil or sugar for distribution.
Food Safety Concerns in China
China has grappled with food safety issues for years, including incidents involving contaminated infant formula and the infamous practice of recycling cooking oil, known as “gutter oil.” The process of cleaning a tanker truck is time-consuming and costly, with each cleaning session taking several hours and costing a minimum of $40.
Government’s Response
In response to the report, the Chinese State Council Commission on Food Safety released a statement pledging to investigate the matter thoroughly. The statement emphasized that illegal entities and individuals involved would face severe legal consequences. The commission also vowed to assess the safety risks associated with cooking oil.
Emphasis on Food Safety
A commentary published in The People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, stressed the paramount importance of food safety. It underscored the need for strict adherence to standards, rigorous supervision, stringent penalties, and unwavering accountability at all times.