Singapore: Taiwan-based Kong Yen Biotech has apologized to its customers acknowledging the use of tainted oil in manufacturing foods.

Kong Yen Biotech is the owner of 'Gassho' brand and is recognized as one of the biggest and most famous food industry in Taiwan.

The Taipei Department of Health (DOH) has issued Kong Yen with a penalty of $3 million, as reports indicated that the firm did not cooperate with the investigation conducted by the DOH.

Mr Li Shu-ling, CEO, Kong Yen Biotech, explained, "We had outsourced production of Gassho lard products to Chung Guann Company. An internal investigation revealed that Chung Guann had used tainted oil to manufacture the products. All products in the market have been be re-called."

Mr Shu-ling said that the company deeply regretted its negligence in checking the products. She noted that the firm Chung Guann had always provided compliance certificates indicating the safety of its products.

Kong Yen emphasized that the firm had conducted an inspection of the Chung Guann manufacturing facility last year. Mr Shu-ling further added that Kong Yen was willing to help the DOH with any further investigation, if necessary.