The government has refused to accept a NT$3 billion (US$97.6 million) donation offered by scandal-hit Ting Hsin International Group to promote food safety.
Health Minister Chiang Been-huang made the comments on Saturday. He said the conglomerate should first compensate food makers and consumers affected by its substandard oil products.
Ting Hsin became the target of consumer boycotts last October, when it was found to be selling cooking oils mixed with animal feed-grade fats. Ting Hsin then pleged to donate NT$3 billion to fund a food safety reform committee. A business tycoon later proposed that Ting Hsin donate the money to the Ministry of Health and Welfare instead to help the government’s efforts to improve food safety.
In response to the government’s rejection of the donation, Ting Hsin said it respects the government’s decision but added that it is determined to promote food safety.