China launches high-level probe after paper says fuel tankers used to carry cooking oil

The Beijing News published a report last week alleging that the same tanker trucks were being used to transport both cooking oil and chemicals, without cleaning between shipments to save costs.

State broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday that the State Council, China’s cabinet, had set up an investigative team involving several government bodies to tackle the matter.

Planning body the National Development and Reform Commission, the ministries of public security and transport, the state administrations of market regulation and grain and reserves, and other departments will be part of the team.

Several cooking oil companies – including two named in the Beijing News report – have also launched their own investigations.