China’s edible oil scandal will dent consumer trust

Significance The scandal -- possibly the country’s largest since the 2008 milk scandal -- has reignited food safety concerns and dented consumers’ confidence in the government at a time of broader discontent over economic issues. Impacts Sales of imported oil and at-home oil presses may rise as consumers avoid domestically produced cooking oil. Consumers may cook at home more often to control the type of oil in their food, rather than eating or ordering out, helping grocery sales. Cooking oil brands that can guarantee customers complete supply chain visibility and security will likely be popular.