China Imposes 11 Million Yuan Fine Over Food Safety Scandal

China fines Sinograin and six other firms a total of 11 million yuan for using fuel tankers to transport cooking oil, rekindling fears about food safety. An investigation found severe use of unclean tankers across multiple provinces. Sinograin Oil (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. faced significant penalties.

China has levied fines totaling 11 million yuan ($1.54 million) on state stockpiler Sinograin and six additional firms for using fuel tankers to transport cooking oil, as reported by state media. This scandal has shaken public confidence in food safety regulations.

An investigation across Hebei, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, and Shaanxi provinces revealed severe violations involving unclean tankers, according to State Council Food Safety Office via Xinhua. The unconventional use 'violated basic common sense and tramples on moral bottom lines and legal red lines,' the council stated.

Authorities have issued a 2.86 million yuan fine to Sinograin Oil (Tianjin) Co. Ltd and charged additional penalties of 8.18 million yuan to six other companies. Criminal charges were also filed against two drivers. The recent scandal has led consumers to favor foreign cooking oil brands despite higher prices.

(With inputs from agencies.)