SHENZHEN University (SZU) has been in the spotlight since December when a report released by an oil testing company suggested that its canteens may have been using gutter oil.

    However, the tables have turned recently as an association is claiming that the company, Jianhe Oil Testing, does not have the required qualification to test cooking oil, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

    An academic branch of the Chinese Cereals and Oils Association recently said that it had not found any evidence to prove that Jianhe was qualified to test for food safety.

    The branch claimed that the cooking oil report about the SZU canteens lacked solid scientific evidence, authority and public credibility.

    The branch pointed out that Jianhe had not been following regular procedures when they collected samples at the university for testing, because they did not keep the samples afterwards and concealed their testing methods.

    The statement was confirmed by a director with the branch surnamed Zhou. Jianhe made no comment on the recent accusation. The Shenzhen Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it was still investigating.

    In December, the FDA initiated an investigation into the cooking oil used in the canteens after a food quality report went viral. A screenshot of the report was widely shared online, indicating that some SZU canteens might have used gutter oil, raising concerns among teachers and students.

    The university’s logistics department carried out an internal investigation and issued a statement the same day, saying that the cooking oil used by SZU was from certified companies, which had won biddings.

    Official materials showed that the company was established Jan. 12 last year with three shareholders Dai Guixun, Liu Hewei and Liu Min. Liu Hewei was the general manager. The firm’s information was changed Dec. 15, with Liu Min replacing Liu Weihe as the general manager. (Zhang Qian)