Chang Guann Co., a leading oil supplier in Taiwan was fined US$1.67 million on Tuesday the 9th for selling hundreds tonnes of “gutter oil.” In February 2014, Chang Guann purchased 243 tonnes of tainted oil collected from cookers, fryers, and grease traps; he then mixed it up with lard oil for sale. There was a total of 782 tonnes of gutter oil produced and used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

An excessive amount of mooncakes, pineapple cakes, bread, instant noodles, and Chinese steamed dumplings and buns have been thrown out of the shelves. Hundreds of restaurants apologized to their customers for unknowingly using such filthy oil in their food.

Mooncake found with the use of gutter oil.

Coming from a traditional Hong Kong family, I know that the customary Moon festival is very important as it symbolizes unity, and it is a great time for family gatherings. Eating mooncakes on this accustomed day is compared to eating turkey on Thanksgivings, but because of Chang Guann’s selfish actions, the buyers were unable to devour this once in a year specialty. I am furious that Guann Chang ruined this festival to earn a little bit profit for himself. In my opinion this is absolutely unacceptable for every person has the right to be assured that his or her food is safe to eat, and no one should ever contaminate any kind of food to earn an extra revenue. 

source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/international/taiwan-oil-supplier-fined/1354036.html

image: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Chang-Guann3.jpg 

http://img.qz.com/2014/09/mooncakes.jpg?w=940