The tainted oil scandal has had far-reaching consequences. Major food manufacturers have been found to be using tainted lard. The scandal has prompted a re-look among local food industries on ways to strengthen food quality management and restore consumer confidence.

Some well-established food products have been affected by the tainted oil scandal, including popular snacks for children. As the investigation continues, it discovers more products and manufacturers have been affected. Consumers are overwhelmed.

"Even the most popular products are tainted. I think there is no food that is trustworthy."

Among the affected brands, five have GMPs, or Good Manufacturing Practice certification, including the company that caused the scandal--Chang Guann Co. In Taiwan, only 10% of food products are granted the certificates and enjoy the highest consumer confidence. The local GMP Development Association also admitted its system has loopholes.

"We do not verify the quality of raw materials for food products. We only verify the report of manufacturers," Sun Pao-Nien, president of Taiwan Gmp Development Assoc., said.

Local night market and street vendors have borne the brunt of the crisis. For a long time, delicious street snacks have been the draw. But now, they might be a turn-off.

"It's a surprise for me, because I always trust the quality of Taiwanese food," A Chinese mainland tourist said.

The wider impact might extend to Taiwan's tourism industry, as "food" and "sightseeing" have always gone together in the promotion of local tourism.

"It's a routine schedule for tourists to travel to the night food markets. The scandal may give them less incentive to go there," Assoc. Professor Chen Jiayu with Shih Hsin Univ., said.

Experts say the impact on tourism may not be obvious in the short term, but if no immediate action is taken, a cross-industry impact is unavoidable.

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