Ministry of Health and Welfare Criticized Over Zhonglian Oil Case; Minister Says Willing to Apologize for Policy Changes

(Central News Agency Reporter Tseng Yi-ning, Taipei, July 8) The Zhonglian edible oil case involving exceeding the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene limit is snowballing, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has been criticized for its constantly changing policies. Legislator Wang Hung-wei of the Kuomintang (KMT) questioned MOHW Minister Shieh Chung-liang today whether he would apologize for this, and Shieh stated that he is willing to apologize for the inconvenience caused by the policy changes.

Zhonglian's "Soybean Salad Oil" exceeded the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene limit, with a total of 1,300 metric tons flowing to downstream manufacturers such as Taishin, Fwusow, and Formosa Oils & Fats. In addition to Zhonglian suspending the manufacturing and shipment of soybean salad oil from July 1, the MOHW on July 2 requested manufacturers to recall the first tier of affected products; on July 4, it further requested the precautionary recall of original oils and processed foods containing more than 20% of the affected oil; and yesterday, it announced that processed foods with less than 20% content must also be preemptively recalled.

The Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee today invited Shieh Chung-liang, along with representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to deliver a special report and undergo questioning on "Food Safety Issues Continue to Erupt, How to Build a Safe Living and Food Factory Safety Management Improvement Plan for the Public."

KMT Legislator Wang Hung-wei questioned that the MOHW should apologize to the public for the problem oil flowing throughout Taiwan and for the policy changes.

In response, Shieh Chung-liang said that he is willing to apologize for the inconvenience caused by the policy changes.

Wang Hung-wei pointed out that the MOHW announced this morning that a batch of Taishin's cooking oil also tested positive for benzo(a)pyrene exceeding the limit at 2.5ppb, indicating the incident is indeed escalating. She asked whether Premier Cho Jung-tai has been fully aware of the process, which has been criticized by the public as policy changes, cover-ups, and U-turns.

Shieh Chung-liang explained that the oil was recalled immediately at the time. As for the decisions made at the time, they were made in accordance with the "Principles for Handling Product Recalls, Returns, Sealing, and Destruction of Food Violations" announced in 2017. However, due to the unique nature of this incident, an expert meeting was convened to make adjustments, and subsequent adjustments were made based on investigations and findings.

Wang Hung-wei believes that if officials want to quell the situation and avoid escalation, the result is the public's distrust of the government and officials. "Those who should step down should step down."

Shieh Chung-liang stated that the most important thing now is to stabilize the entire situation, conduct thorough investigations as soon as possible, and reassure the public. "Those who should be responsible will be responsible."

KMT Legislator Wang Yu-min also questioned whether Premier Cho Jung-tai agreed to only recall the oil after hearing the MOHW's report.

Shieh Chung-liang replied, "No," indicating that he instructed that it "should be reconsidered." Therefore, the MOHW convened an expert meeting the next day to re-examine whether the previously established handling principles needed revision.

In addition, KMT Legislator Chiu Chen-jung, DPP Legislators Lee Kun-cheng and Chen Ying all inquired about the cause of the incident. Shieh Chung-liang stated that samples of Zhonglian oil retained from April and late June have been tested, and the inspection report is expected to be released tomorrow. Experts will be consulted to clarify the possible causes, and the findings will be announced to the public as soon as possible. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun, Lin Hsing-meng) 1150708

Stand with the truth, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.