Chiang Wan-an Criticizes Central Government's Handling of Contaminated Oil Issue; Cho Jung-tai Responds

(CNA, Kaohsiung, July 8) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an yesterday criticized President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai for failing the public regarding the issue of carcinogenic substances exceeding the limit in Chung Lien Oil's soybean salad oil. Cho Jung-tai stated today that the matter is being actively handled and will be announced once findings are confirmed, adding, "We also hope local governments will focus on typhoon preparedness."

At a city government meeting on July 7, Chiang Wan-an remarked that many people believe this salad oil incident is a repeat of the "gutter oil incident," indicating that the government's source management mechanisms for oil products over the past decade have not kept pace with public expectations. He noted that the central Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received notification at the end of June, but President Lai and Premier Cho only addressed the public a full week later, failing the public's trust in the central government and their demands for food safety.

Cho Jung-tai, who was in Kaohsiung today to attend the "2026 Asia-Pacific Capital Summit," told reporters before the event, "We are actively handling this in the past few days. In the coming days, a typhoon is expected to approach, possibly from the east and northeast. We hope local governments can concentrate on typhoon preparations."

Cho Jung-tai reiterated his statement from yesterday regarding food safety issues: "No government will fail to actively handle such matters." He assured that findings will be announced once confirmed and affected products will be removed from shelves.

The issue of carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene exceeding the limit in Chung Lien Oil products continues to escalate. The Ministry of Health and Welfare yesterday announced a fine of NT$165.2 million, the highest in history. Furthermore, the ministry announced that to reassure the public, 175 products with an original content of less than 20% that were previously only subject to voluntary disclosure of product information will be immediately and comprehensively removed from shelves by July 8 at 24:00.

The carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene in Chung Lien's "Soybean Salad Oil" exceeded the limit, with a total of 1,300 metric tons flowing to companies including Tai Shan, Fu Shou, and Fu Mao. As of yesterday, 18 affected products across 30 batches were identified, impacting 360 businesses. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150708

Stand with facts. Your every donation is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "First News" app for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.