Incident File · 2014-09-04
Chang Guann gutter-oil lard scandal
In 2014, Taiwan's Chang Guann was accused of using recycled waste oil in lard products that spread into Taiwan and Hong Kong food supply chains.
Incident Severity
★★★☆☆
The case involved adulterated oil across regional supply chains and many downstream businesses, but no confirmed deaths, so it is rated 3 stars.
Verified by two or more sources
Key Facts
- Jurisdiction
- Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Category
- Adulterated oil
- Affected
- 1000
- Deaths
- 0
- Injured/Ill
- 0
- Duration Days
- 180
- Sources
- 2
Reports said Chang Guann purchased recycled waste oil and blended it into lard products used by bakeries, convenience stores, and restaurants. Hong Kong brands were reported to have recalled or suspended affected products.
Companies and Brands
Direct company
Parent or controller
Brand or licensor
Legal or Regulatory Basis
Taiwan food authorities and prosecutors investigated adulterated lard made with recycled waste oil and gutter oil, leading to product recalls and indictments.
Sources
- Gutter Oil Scandal Raises Food-Safety Fears Once Again in Greater China, TIME, 2014-09-08
- 2014 Taiwanese adulterated oil scandal, Wikipedia summary of public records, 2014-09-04