KMT Caucus Urges Mandatory Third-Party Testing in Chung Lien Oils Case

(CNA reporter Liu Kuan-ting, Taipei, 13th) The Chung Lien Oils contamination case continues to escalate. The Kuomintang (KMT) Legislative Yuan caucus today called for a comprehensive investigation into whether imported soybeans from the same source and period were similarly contaminated. They also urged a full review of the food safety management system, calling for full transparency on tracking toxic oil incidents and mandatory third-party inspections.

Amid the widening scandal, the KMT caucus held a press conference. Caucus Secretary-General Lin Pei-hsiang argued that if the contamination originated from the raw material supply chain rather than Chung Lien’s production process, then focusing solely on Chung Lien would be inappropriate. He emphasized that all edible oils imported between January and June should be inspected, and the Executive Yuan must release complete traceability and testing results.

Lin stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the food safety management system, including full public disclosure of toxic oil tracking data and mandatory third-party inspections. He also stated that the ruling administration must take political responsibility—those accountable should be held responsible, and those who should resign must do so.

Regarding Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s call for President Lai Qing-te to immediately convene a national security meeting, Lin expressed full support, stating that the toxic oil incident has evolved beyond a failure of corporate self-regulation into a systemic breakdown with clear institutional flaws.

Separately, the KMT Central Committee held its own press conference. Information and Communications Director Chen Yi-hsin highlighted that the core issue has now become a collapse of public trust. He warned that if the government allows products back on shelves, it must carefully address public panic over the dilemma of 'whether to buy or not to buy,' and no longer shift food safety risks onto the people.

Chen demanded that Food Safety Office Director Hsu Fu stop hiding, that regulatory agencies proactively disclose inspection records, and that Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chong-liang resign. He also called for Executive Yuan Premier Cho Jung-tai and President Lai to apologize to the public. Chen reminded that in 2014, when Lai was mayor of Tainan, he declared 'food safety is national security' and demanded central government accountability. 'Now as president, he should not change his mind just because his position has changed,' Chen said, urging Lai to uphold his own past standards by convening a national security meeting.

Former Executive Yuan Food Safety Office Director Kang Chao-chou attended the briefing and warned that decisions on whether to relist problematic products should not be based solely on diluted health risks. Consumer protection and the public’s right to know must also be considered. Products that fail at the source should not be allowed to proceed to processing or manufacturing. The government must also review consumer protection mechanisms and relevant provisions in the Food Safety Act.

Former Director of the National Health Administration, Dr. Chiu Shu-ti, pointed out that victims are not limited to consumers but also include downstream businesses such as breakfast shops and snack vendors. She urged the government to immediately mobilize the food safety fund and collaborate with consumer protection groups to provide legal assistance. (Edited by Su Chih-tsung, Su Lung-chi) 1150713