Chinese media reported scandalous food oil transport practices. The results of the investigation confirmed reports of transport of food oil by tankers previously utilized for the transport of synthetic petrol which were not cleaned. The penalties imposed on companies and people associated with this activity amounted to a full of 11 million yuan (about PLN 5.9 million).
Disclosure of the scandal by the media
In July this year, the Chinese paper "Xin Jing Bao" ("Beijing News") after conducting his own investigation revealed that tanks utilized to transport synthetic petrol in Hebei state and in the town of Tiencin were besides utilized to transport food oil. This information rapidly sparked outrage among the public and interest from the Chinese authorities.
The Chinese state press agency Xinhua reported that a peculiar investigation team, composed of representatives of the government's food safety department, police and another bodies, confirmed the veracity of the allegations made by the media.
High financial penalties and legal action
Under the findings of the investigation team, the State-owned company Sinograin Oil (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. fined 2,86 million yuan (about 1,54 million PLN). In addition, six another logistics companies and food oil companies were fined for a full amount of 8.18 million yuan (about PLN 4.39 million). Additionally, criminal charges were filed against 2 drivers active in illegal activity.
In 1 of the cases described in the report, the transport company tried to hide the problem by issuing false invoices for washing tankers. Otherwise, the driver indicated the location of the alleged tanker cleaning, which proved to be a place without cleaning stations or mobile equipment complying with the applicable standards during the investigation.
Authority consequence to irregularities
The Chinese authorities have described these practices as "a peculiarly malicious and criminal act", which runs counter to "healthy judgement and moral and legal principles". This activity not only undermines consumer assurance in food products but besides poses a serious threat to public health.
History of food scandals in China
China has been trying for years to improve the reputation of its food, which has been undermined by a number of scandals related to its safety. In fresh years, scandals involving baby milk and contaminated pork have been among the most serious cases.
More than a decade ago, the Chinese authorities began to fight oil harvesting from the sewers, which after treatment was sold again as food oil. Despite this, specified activities are inactive noted, and recordings showing oil from sewer wells frequently appear on social media.
Summary
The current scandal of transporting food oil with synthetic petrol tanks shows that despite efforts by Chinese authorities, the food safety problem in China remains valid. The authorities must take even more decisive steps to prevent akin situations in the future and reconstruct consumer assurance in Chinese food.
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