The Chinese government has confirmed a report that fuel tanker trucks were used to transport edible oil. Authorities say they will pursue criminal charges against those involved.
The Beijing News reported in July that tankers that had transported fuel in Hebei Province and Tianjin City were used to carry cooking oil without being cleaned. The daily said the report was based on its own investigation.
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said that a joint investigation team composed of the government’s food safety division, police and other authorities released their findings on Sunday, confirming the report as true.
The authorities described the case as extremely malicious and a criminal act that runs contrary to basic common sense.
They also said they will pursue criminal charges against the drivers and that companies involved, including those that arranged the transportation, will face administrative penalties, such as fines.
The authorities said they will make sure that edible oil is transported by dedicated vehicles and added that illegal acts will be strictly punished.
With rising public awareness of food safety, the government’s response to the media report is seen as an effort to showcase its commitment to rigorously addressing food-related violations.