China Fines Seven Companies Over Tainted Cooking Oil Scandal

China has fined seven companies involved in a tainted cooking oil scandal that sparked widespread concerns about food safety last month.

Details of the Scandal:

The companies were fined a total of 11 million yuan ($1.5 million) for their involvement in the scandal, in which edible oil was transported in trucks previously used for coal oil without proper cleaning.

Sinograin, a unit of the state grain stockpiler China Grain Reserves Corp., received the largest fine, 2.86 million yuan. This action follows an investigation launched by the State Council.

Government Response and Concerns:

The Food Safety Commission of the State Council described the case as “extremely severe,” stating that it “goes against basic common sense, tramples the moral bottom line and legal red line,” and emphasized the need for strict enforcement.

The government’s heightened sensitivity to food safety issues stems from past scandals, including a major incident in 2008 when adulterated milk caused the deaths of six children and affected around 300,000 others.

Further Actions:

In addition to the fines, authorities announced an investigation into individuals who owned vehicles used to transport the contaminated oil. Two drivers involved in the incident have also been charged with criminal offenses.