Green Party Demands Apology for Oil Scandal; Taichung City Government States Full Commitment to Food Safety

(Central News Agency, reporter Hao Xue-ching, Taichung, July 7) The Democratic Progressive Party's caucus in the Taichung City Council stated today that the Taichung City Government owes all citizens an apology. The city government responded that it has heavily fined the delayed reporting businesses according to the law, and will continue to investigate the flow of problematic oil and the cause of contamination, fully safeguarding citizens' health and food safety.

The Taichung City Government told CNA that it is urging businesses to complete the recall and removal of products, improve manufacturing processes and quality management, and will release the latest inspection results in a timely manner, continuously strengthening food businesses' self-inspection, abnormal reporting, and risk management mechanisms.

As the oil products from Chung Lien Oil Corporation exceeded carcinogen limits, with a total of 1,300 tons flowing to the first-tier downstream businesses of Tai Shan Enterprise Co., Ltd., Fwusow Industry Co., Ltd., and Fwusow Oil Corporation, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced that Chung Lien, Fwusow, and Fwusow Oil, all registered in Taichung, will each be fined NT$3 million.

DPP caucus whip Chou Yung-hung stated at a press conference held by the caucus that since the local government has the authority to impose fines, conduct inspections, and has a responsibility to disclose information, it cannot simultaneously exercise local powers while completely shifting the responsibility for incomplete information onto the central government.

DPP caucus secretary-general Tsai Yao-chieh said that since 2023, Taichung has experienced over 13 major food safety incidents. Many cases only resulted in fines, with few subsequent improvement results seen, lacking comprehensive flow tracking and systematic review. The Taichung City Government owes citizens a clear explanation and an apology.

Furthermore, DPP Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun stated in a media interview earlier that although the Taichung City Government imposed heavy fines afterward, it failed to effectively prevent problematic products from entering schools, restaurants, and citizens' lives. Citizens need information disclosure, and both central and local governments should actively and promptly initiate investigations. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150707

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