Zhonglian Oil Recall Expanded to 5 Batches; Executive Yuan to Strengthen Food Safety Laws

The food safety incident involving Zhonglian Oils' cooking oil, initially affecting three batches (lot numbers 315-1150404, 313-1150512, and 315-1150510), has now expanded to five batches. On the evening of the 12th, Taichung City Government received notification from Fushe Company that two additional batches (318-1150406 and 314-1150410) exceeded safety limits for the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene. On the 13th, Premier Cho Jung-tai issued five directives: complete testing of related oil samples within one week; re-listing of precautionary recalled products under three principles—source separation, category separation, and phased release; and submission of amendments to the Food Safety Act and its sub-laws within one week, requiring upstream manufacturers to conduct batch-by-batch self-inspections instead of the current semi-annual checks.

On the 13th, Taichung’s Food and Drug Administration released information on affected downstream businesses. A total of 667 companies, including PX Mart’s Hankyu Bakery, Aijuiwei, and Din Guan Guan, were impacted and have initiated product recalls and removals. As of the 13th, 1,641.4 metric tons of contaminated oil have been recovered. Guidelines for re-listing precautionary recalled products will be announced on the 14th.

The Academia Sinica’s Institute of Economics released its latest economic forecast, revising Taiwan’s 2026 GDP growth projection upward to 10.16%, the highest among domestic think tanks and the first to surpass 10%. Researcher Lin Chang-ching described Taiwan’s economy as “a rising sun,” with AI driving growth, though uncertainties remain. The Ministry of Finance reported that June’s national tax revenue reached NT$1.1656 trillion, a 1.9-fold year-on-year increase, primarily due to deferred income tax payments from the previous year. Compared to June 2025, individual income tax increased by NT$346.8 billion, corporate income tax by NT$340.4 billion, and securities transaction tax by NT$62.4 billion. The securities transaction tax, a key indicator of market activity, reached NT$84.9 billion in June, up 2.8-fold year-on-year, reflecting a robust stock market and marking 11 consecutive months of positive growth.

A fire broke out early on the 13th at a beer restaurant near Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 32 people and injuring 73. This is the deadliest fire in Thailand since the 2009 Santika Club New Year’s Eve fire, which killed 67. The blaze was brought under control after about 45 minutes, with most victims found trapped in restrooms. Officials said blocked emergency exits prevented patrons from escaping the thick smoke. The initial cause is believed to be an electrical short circuit in the ceiling air conditioning system. A musician at the scene reported that a circuit breaker near the stage emitted smoke, followed by a power outage and explosion. Fire safety experts emphasized that smoke, toxic gases, and poor evacuation routes were the main causes of fatalities, highlighting regulatory and enforcement gaps. Volunteer rescuer Kirati, speaking to CNA, called it the most difficult rescue of his career: “Most victims suffered severe burns, some over half their bodies. The rescue was extremely challenging.”

The 115th academic year Subject Competency Test was postponed to July 13 and 14 due to Typhoon Bavi. Day one included Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics A, and Biology. For the first time, metal detectors were deployed. The College Entrance Examination Center stated detectors would only be used if students were suspected of carrying or using mobile phones or wearable devices and refused inspection. On the first day, some students were caught photographing test booklets with phones, and others brought AI glasses, risking disqualification. Taipei educators analyzed that Physics had an unusually high proportion of calculation-heavy questions (80%), making it the most difficult in five years. Chemistry featured diverse sources, including Nobel Prize-related topics, with over half the questions involving charts and graphs. Experimental inquiry questions totaled eight (24 points), testing data analysis and chart interpretation. Mathematics A was well-structured from easy to difficult, balanced in concept and calculation, with moderate reading load and guiding prompts—overall difficulty similar to last year. Biology featured diverse formats—multiple choice, fill-in-tables, short answers, and drawing—emphasizing chart reading and information extraction, making it one of the hardest in five years.

The Central Weather Administration reported on the 13th that southern Taiwan would experience localized brief showers or thunderstorms due to moist air from the south. On the 14th, isolated heavy rains were expected in central and northern Taiwan and mountainous areas, with continued torrential rain warnings in northern mountain regions. From the 15th to 18th, winds will shift to southwesterly, then southerly on the 19th and 20th, bringing more moisture. Isolated heavy rains in western mountainous areas and northern regions are expected in the afternoons from the 15th to 20th. Temperatures will be muggy before rain, with highs of 31–35°C. Localized highs above 36°C are expected in mountainous areas of central and southern Taiwan, the Huadong Valley, and the Taipei Basin. Foehn winds may occur in the Huadong Valley on the 15th and 16th.

TSMC announced its unaudited June revenue of NT$442.68 billion, surpassing May’s record of NT$416.975 billion, a 6.2% monthly increase and 67.9% year-on-year rise from NT$263.709 billion in 2025. Combined April and May revenue reached NT$827.7 billion, exceeding Q2 targets. Quarterly revenue exceeded NT$1.27 trillion, a new high. TSMC’s strong performance is driven by robust AI-related demand and increased computing needs, supporting steady demand for advanced process chips. The company forecasts over 30% year-on-year USD revenue growth for 2025.

Taiwan’s National Stabilization Fund, which launched its 9th market-stabilization operation last year, concluded its 279-day intervention on January 12 and began selling holdings. On the 13th, the fund announced its performance: all shares were successfully liquidated by May 6, completing its exit. It invested NT$12.25 billion and generated a net profit of NT$9.932 billion, achieving an 81% return. The fund emphasized that the Taiwan stock market rose steadily during the sell-off, with no negative market impact.

Fuyi Development was found guilty of cutting corners, causing a “sky pit” that endangered public safety. New Taipei County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke and other officials were accused of dereliction of duty and favoritism. On the 13th at 4 p.m., the Hsinchu District Court delivered its verdict: Yang Wen-ke was acquitted of favoritism charges; Fuyi’s chairman Liu Shu-chu was sentenced to 3.5 years for violating construction regulations. Former Public Works Director Chiang Liang-yuan and officer Huang Yu-szu were sentenced to 6.5 and 5.2 years, respectively, for tacitly allowing 77 days of illegal construction during a suspension period, benefiting the developer by approximately NT$39.84 million. The verdict is appealable. Yang stated he received no illicit benefits and engaged in no quid pro quo, praising the court’s judgment. The Hsinchu Prosecutors’ Office said it would review the full ruling before deciding on an appeal.

Ko Guang-yang, son of KMT legislator Wan Mei-ling and Taoyuan city council candidate, announced on the 13th that he would withdraw from KMT nomination. He said that since announcing his candidacy, he has faced criticism over his student years, some of which was inaccurate. Despite apologizing and clarifying, attacks continued. To avoid burdening party colleagues and affecting campaign strategy, he chose to step down. He will continue grassroots outreach and self-reflection. KMT Taoyuan Party Chair Tsai Chung-cheng said there are currently no plans to nominate a replacement and expressed optimism about district races.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill passed away on the 13th at age 78. He gained international fame as Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park. Neill also starred in The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon, and Bicentennial Man. According to AFP, he died peacefully surrounded by family, “with dignity.” He had battled blood cancer, reaching stage three, but announced in April that he was cancer-free after sharing his journey publicly.