Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Taiwan to Fine McDonald's, Domino's Pizza

In Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z I write in-depth about Taiwan's local culture so readers have a solid understanding of what to expect prior to arriving. I mention that, at times, visitors will find a land of stark contradicitons. Here's a case in point:

The news has been heavily covering the fact that McDonald's and Domino's Pizza will be fined between NT $60,000 (approximately US $1,800) to NT $300,000 (US $9,000) for not changing their cooking oil enough. In fact, one can't turn on the TV and watch the local Chinese news or open a newspaper these days without seeing a headline containing the phrase "tainted oil." The fines, which would hardly hurt these firms' bottom lines, are clearly to send a message to other chains that they should ensure that their cooking oil is changed more regularly. While it's prudent for Taiwan to be taking measures to ensure its citizens are safe, is this seemingly haphazard slap-on-the-wrist really the right approach?

Apparently, the Department of Health (DOH) decided to randomly test and subsequently fine these two chains "in a move to quell consumer fears over the safety of cooking oil used by eateries across the island." How is fining two U.S.-based chains going to make cooking oil used by eateries across the entire island more safe, especially considering that most people on Taiwan eat at small road-side stands? Wouldn't it be more practical for government inspectors to visit night markets around the island and test cooking oil used at these locations, considering that many, if not most, Taiwanese people eat foods prepared there?

Everyone knows too much of anything is bad for one's health. How about cutting the Golden Arches a little slack for once? What do you think?

Expect more random large chain testing and fines to come.