AN official investigation report released Sunday made public the lawbreaking facts in reported cases of improperly using tanker trucks for coal-to-liquids to transport edible oil. The report released by the office of the food safety commission under China’s State Council also covers the whereabouts of the transported edible oil and identifies the responsibility of the relevant firms and individuals. It was determined that the incident was “extremely severe in nature,” as it violated basic common sense, trampled on moral and legal boundaries, and was a typical example of illegal and criminal behavior that must be severely punished. The office pledged to conduct a thorough and ongoing special rectification of issues related to the transport of edible vegetable oil in chemical tankers, while adopting a “zero tolerance” approach to all forms of illegal and irregular activities. It says that the public security organ will file criminal cases against the two drivers involved and take criminal precautionary measures according to law. Five individuals, including owners of the two tanker trucks, will be investigated by relevant departments, and their cases will be transferred to police if criminal activities are suspected. Three others will be given administrative penalty of 10-day detention in line with laws. The investigation report says seven enterprises will be facing administrative penalties, including fines and confiscation of illegal gains, in accordance with the law. As the tanker trucks are registered in Xingtai City of Hebei Province, local discipline inspection authority shall step in and investigate possible dereliction of duty and inaction of public officials. The report was made after a joint investigation team involving public security, transport, market regulation and other authorities conducted joint investigations in North China’s Hebei Province, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province in order to trace the flow of the involved products, verify the illegal activities of the responsible individuals and entities, analyze the causes of the problems, and clarify the responsibilities of all parties involved. It says that no similar problems have been found elsewhere based on a nationwide investigation so far. A nationwide comprehensive inspection and clean-up of the entire supply chain has been organized. The office will enhance management across the supply chain, improve regulatory coordination mechanisms, and ensure the safety of edible vegetable oil.(Xinhua, SD-Agencies) | 