China has had an embarrassing history of food safety scandals and crises going back decades, most notably the 2008 melamine scandal, when a chemical used in plastics was mixed into baby milk, poisoning 300,000 children.
“Such shameful incidents not only harm those directly affected, but also undermine the broader public trust that has been so strongly undermined by the efforts of the authorities. Unfortunately, just when it seemed as though progress was being made, events have occurred that undermine that trust.”
The latest incident was uncovered by a reporter from the Beijing News, who reported that the company had been transporting the edible oil in tankers that were also used to transport fuel, and that they were not being cleaned between trips to cut costs. Unsurprisingly, the incident has caused a national uproar and sparked widespread concerns about food safety.
That this new scandal has emerged at a time when President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to strengthen food security is all the more worrying, which is why the State Council (China’s equivalent of the cabinet) has set up a multi-agency investigation team, including the national regulator, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Chinese media reports found that the companies were transporting cooking oil in tankers that were also used to transport fuel, without cleaning them between trips to save on costs. Photo: Beijing News
In the melamine contamination case that led to the deaths of six infants, 22 manufacturers were indicted for using the chemical to boost protein levels in nutritional tests. Sentences for violators range from long prison terms to the death penalty.
But despite the industry cleanup, public distrust of home-grown brands remained years later as the National Development and Reform Commission pressured domestic milk powder makers to grab a bigger share of the market from foreign rivals.
This time, manufacturers appear to be among the victims, with several edible oil companies taking their own steps. State grain reserve company Sinograin has ordered investigations into its subsidiaries and promised to immediately blacklist any transporters found to be in violation of the rules.
Another company, Hopeful Grain and Oil Group, said it cooperated with investigators.
Chinese enforcement officers check dates on cans of milk powder in Tongzi city, southwest China’s Guizhou province, in 2010, following a melamine poisoning scandal that affected 300,000 children in 2008. Photo: AFP
The fact that the trucks belong to a subsidiary of a state-owned enterprise is alarming and requires a thorough investigation. Any attempt to cut corners or save money with regard to due process is likely to be severely punished.
Beijing News and related media should be commended for reporting this scandal. Food safety is of paramount importance to China, including Hong Kong, which receives a lot of its supplies from mainland China.
Public trust is a fleeting thing, taking years to earn and an instant to lose, and in return they rightly expect the highest safety standards throughout the entire food chain.
Companies must stop cutting corners and putting tainted food on our tables.
