Beijing, July 11 (V7N) - The Chinese government is set to investigate allegations that fuel tankers have been used to transport cooking oil without proper decontamination, following reports that the vehicles had previously carried toxic chemicals.

The controversy has sparked widespread concern online, with social media users voicing fears over potential food contamination. According to state-run Beijing News, tankers previously used for transporting fuel were found to be carrying food products like cooking oil and syrup without being adequately cleaned.

One driver quoted by the newspaper described the practice as an “open secret” within the industry, highlighting its prevalence. This scandal is the latest setback to public trust in the Chinese government's ability to enforce food safety standards.

The issue has dominated Chinese social media in recent days. On Weibo, China's equivalent to X (formerly Twitter), tens of thousands of posts about the scandal have amassed millions of views. “Food safety is the most important issue,” read one comment that received over 8,000 likes. Another user remarked, “As an ordinary person, surviving in this world itself is an amazing thing already.”

Many users drew comparisons to the 2008 Sanlu milk scandal, where approximately 300,000 children fell ill and at least six died after consuming powdered milk contaminated with melamine. “This is much worse than the Sanlu scandal; it can’t be settled with just a statement,” commented another user.

The investigation into these allegations is expected to be thorough, as the public demands accountability and reassurance over food safety standards in the country.

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