According to the United Daily News and others, tracing the tainted oil's distribution has drawn in multiple franchises and outlets. Some large stores published lists of affected products and said eligible items could be refunded.

A local government head sharply criticized the central government's response, and the center pushed back, turning the matter into a political fight—an expansion of a food-safety issue into a dispute over administrative responsibility.

Among consumers, inquiries continue over purchase histories and which items are being recalled. Authorities said they would release distribution routes and test results in stages.

Food safety shakes consumer trust badly no matter which stage—manufacturing, distribution or oversight—the problem arises. Traceability and clearer labeling to prevent recurrence are cited as tasks.

Specific recall targets and test results should be checked against each company's and the authorities' notices. This article summarizes reported facts.