Government Holds Another Meeting on Zhonglian Oil Case; Cho Jung-tai: Products Will Be Removed If Necessary

(CNA, Taipei, July 6) Regarding the cancer-causing substances exceeding the standard in Zhonglian edible oil, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today that he has convened another meeting with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and other ministries to report on the latest progress. This includes halting production at the source, a complete recall of the first tier of products, and a precautionary recall of the second tier of products. Information on affected products will continue to be released. The government will uphold the principles of information transparency, scientific assessment, and lawful handling. Products will be removed if necessary, and accountability will be pursued.

Cho Jung-tai stated on his Facebook page that there is no room for compromise when it comes to safeguarding food safety. Following last Friday's meeting, he convened another meeting this morning with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, and the Council of Agriculture to report on the latest handling progress of the Zhonglian edible oil incident. The government has identified product batch numbers, distribution flows, and affected businesses. It is continuing to implement layered risk management, handling the situation with the fastest speed and highest standards, and reporting the latest progress to the public.

Cho Jung-tai said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered Zhonglian to cease production entirely. Affected first-tier edible oils from Fwusow Industry, Fwufong Foods, and Tai Shan have been ordered to be completely recalled by July 3rd. Local governments are also continuously strengthening inspections, and those who fail to comply with the recall deadline may face a fine of up to NT$3 million.

He pointed out that based on the expert meeting resolution on July 4th, all original oils made using the affected edible oils, as well as processed products where the proportion of affected soybean salad oil reaches 20% or more, must be preemptively recalled today. For products that do not meet the recall conditions, businesses must also proactively disclose product information to protect the public's right to know.

He stated that 18 affected edible oil products with 30 batches, as well as information on 360 downstream businesses, have been released. The public can identify whether they are affected by product name, expiration date, or batch number. If consumers have related batches of products, businesses must provide return and exchange services to protect consumer rights.

Cho Jung-tai said that the Ministry of Education has also notified affected schools through the school food ingredient registration platform to immediately take precautionary recall measures, ensuring food safety on campus. The FDA has also set up a "Zhonglian Oil Case Special Zone" to update inspection, recall, and product information daily, allowing the public to stay informed of the latest progress. Simultaneously, local governments are urged to expedite inspections, impose penalties according to law, cooperate with judicial investigations, and hold those who violate the law accountable.

He pointed out that in addition to handling this incident, the government is also requiring businesses to comprehensively strengthen raw material acceptance, increase inspection frequency, and improve process management to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Cho Jung-tai emphasized that the public can rest assured that the government will uphold the principles of information transparency, scientific assessment, and lawful handling. Products will be removed if necessary, and accountability will be pursued. He also thanked the local government health bureaus for their immediate involvement in inspections, recalls, and reporting. The joint cooperation between the central and local governments is the most important force in safeguarding food safety. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150706

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