BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland has suspended importing oil products from companies involved in a tainted oil scandal in Taiwan, a mainland spokeswoman said Wednesday.
The mainland hopes the island's relevant authorities will deal with the issue in accordance with the cross-Strait food safety agreement and safeguard the rights and interests of consumers on both sides, said Fan Liqing, spokeswoman with the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.
Media reports said two major food companies in Taiwan, Chang Chi Foodstuff Factory Co. and Flavor Full Food Inc., were found this month to have used an illegal coloring agent in edible oil and mixed cheaper oil with a more expensive product.
After exposure of the scandal, the mainland immediately organized inspections of oil from Taiwan, Fan told a press conference.
Local food quality watchdogs in south China's Fujian Province and east coastal Zhejiang Province have required relevant companies to retrieve more than 40 tonnes of edible oil imported from Taiwan, she said.
The spokeswoman urged the island to create a safe food environment for people.
