How to Protect Yourself and Others From the Harmful Effects of Consuming Contaminated Oil
The news has recently focused on the pervasive use of contaminated lard oil in many foods commonly consumed in Taiwan. The edible oil industry’s illegal behavior has greatly affected the food industry, as many products have been found to contain the contaminated oil. According to official investigations, foods found to contain the oil include pork floss, cakes, hamburgers, instant noodles, snacks, and other common foods.
The government has conducted an investigation into the safety of the contaminated oil, and has not returned any evidence that foods containing the oil pose an immediate health risk to consumers. However, the risk analysis did detect the presence of potentially toxic compounds, particularly found in higher levels in the oil before processing into the final product. Despite assurances from the government, consumers are increasingly losing trust in the food industry and are concerned that food may no longer be safe.
In light of this crisis, the National Center for Food Safety Education and Research (NCFSER) and the Taiwan Association for Food Protection (TAFP) suggest that the public should avoid consuming food that has been found to include the contaminated oil. In addition, consumers can take preventative action to protect their health by consuming a balanced diet as preventive medicine. NCFSER and TAFP recommend the consumption of green and red vegetables, which can increase antioxidants in the body and inhibit damage caused by lipid peroxidation. NCFSER and TAFP also recommend drinking sufficient water, which can accelerate the body’s ability to clear toxic materials from the liver.
In addition, the following foods can be consumed daily as a preventative measure to help the liver detoxify the body and eliminate harmful substances:
| Major Foods | Active Compounds |
| Carrot, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach | β-carotene |
| Blackberry, cranberry, pomegranate, wolfberry | ellagic acid |
| Tomato, watermelon, papaya, guava, grapefruit | lycopene |
| Green tea | catechin |
| Red grape, peanut, mulberry | resveratrol |
| Garlic | allicin, garlic essential oil |
| Onion | allyl sulfides |
- Note: Garlic and onion can increase the activity of the immune system. Patients with autoimmune disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) should avoid consuming these.
Contact: Ya-Yin Jou, The National Center for Food Safety Education and Research
Phone: 886-2-33664130
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