Chung Lien Oil Case: DPP Supports Investigation, Calls for Government Action

(CNA) - Taipei, July 7 - The ongoing controversy over excessive carcinogens found in Chung Lien oil products continues to escalate, with opposition parties demanding political accountability from regulatory authorities. Kuomintang legislative caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung stated today that they support a thorough investigation by judicial authorities and expect the administrative bodies to take appropriate action to protect public health, holding those responsible accountable.

President Lai Ching-te stated on July 6 that products from the first tier should be removed from shelves and requested that the 257 businesses affected by the problematic oil products proactively disclose their names, upholding the principle of food safety first.

Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Yuan today, Chuang Jui-hsiung addressed calls from the opposition for Food and Drug Administration Director-General Chiang Chih-kang to resign and take administrative responsibility. Chuang said the incident is still unfolding and urged judicial intervention to bring the case to light. He emphasized that the administrative departments must act decisively to defend public health and ensure accountability.

Chuang explained that President Lai has set the direction: disclosure where necessary and accountability where warranted. The Legislative Yuan, in its supervisory role, will await the results of the judicial investigation. If businesses are found to have engaged in illegal activities, they will not escape consequences. Based on the premise of protecting consumer health, he supports a thorough investigation by judicial authorities into potential collective concealment or failure to report by the manufacturers.

Regarding administrative actions, Chuang noted that after receiving the report, the FDA, along with the Taichung City Department of Health, inspected Chung Lien the following day. He believes there have been a series of subsequent actions that the public has seen. He acknowledged that public satisfaction remains to be seen and anticipates that the opposition parties will propose a special report in the Legislative Yuan, from which the administrative departments cannot shy away.

Chuang also stated that the administrative actions taken after the incident, whether they followed the Administrative Procedure Act and met public expectations, will be judged by the Executive Yuan. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150707

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