In September of 2014 news emerged of companies selling adulterated cooking oil to consumers. Some businesses used oils and fats not for human consumption in their cooking oil. This caused serious public concern about the safety of oils and fats. The COA responded not only by investigating and punishing the relevant businesses, but also by undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of the regulatory system, in order to prevent unethical businesses from any more illegal behavior of this type and to upgrade the quality and safety of “feed oil” (i.e. oils and fats used for animal feed).

Separate tracks for imports

　　Starting on October 31 of 2014, the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that import codes for oils and fats would thereafter have to include “for use in food,” “for use in animal feed,” and “for industrial use,” in order to make possible separate tracking and control, as well as traceability, of oils and fats. Imports of feed oil now require approval from the COA and importers must file monthly reports on the supply chain (where the oil originated and where it goes).

Strengthening controls at the source

● On October 30 of 2014, the COA announced new additions to the itemized list of animal- feed ingredients, including “animal oils and fats” and “plant oils.” Beginning January 1 of 2015, domestic feed oil manufacturers must get animal-feed manufacturing certification, and only then can they manufacture, process, and package feed oil. As of May 1, 2015, imports of feed oil require an animal-feed import certification before they can be imported. Violations of these new rules will be punishable under the provisions of Article 26 of the “Feed Control Act.”

● Since November 14 of 2014, anyone wishing to import feed oil must apply to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection, which has been commissioned by the COA to conduct an import review and inspection. The feed oil can only be imported if it meets the review and inspection requirements. Moreover, especially stringent measures have been adopted for feed oil imported from mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macao) and Vietnam, in order to better control the quality and safety of imported feed oil from these high-risk areas.

Registration and record systems for domestic factories

● Local governments (municipalities, cities, counties) have already completed a preliminary listing of all domestic feed oil manufacturers; the COA has been assisting these businesses to get manufacturing certifications as required by law, and to strengthen traceability of the supply chain of the feed oil they produce.

● The COA is researching proposed "standards for establishment of feed oil factories," to upgrade the quality and safety of feed oil manufacturing. The draft of these standards has already been substantially discussed by experts, scholars, agencies, and trade associations.

Monitoring the supply and sales chain of oils and fats

● Since October 31 of 2014, all businesses that import, manufacture, or sell feed oil must file monthly reports of the supply or sales chain of the oil. Importers who have not filed the paperwork for imports for the following month will not be able to pass customs review. Also, review and follow-up of data reported by these businesses will be strengthened.

● The COA is constructing a data system for tracking the supply and sales chain of feed oil. It is planned that in the future this will be linked to the food products cloud so that relevant agencies can also share use of the data. If any red flags come up, the relevant agencies will be immediately notified to conduct a follow-up inspection in order to ensure timely intervention.

Amending the Feed Control Act

　　In order to (i) strengthen existing feed control measures, (ii) provide governing authorities with a comprehensive legal basis for action, (iii) build a system for controlling animal feed at the source and for traceability of animal feed, (iv) uphold the quality of domestic feed and the safety of farming, fisheries, and animal husbandry products, (v) and prevent harmful materials from getting into the human food chain through animal feed, the COA has drafted amendments to some provisions of the Feed Control Act. The main points include (a) acquisition of legal authority for border inspections and tracing the supply chain and sales, and (b) increasing punishments. The COA is working with all speed to amend other relevant laws and regulations that need to be coordinated with the changes to the Feed Control Act.