Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an Calls for National Security Meeting Over Contaminated Cooking Oil

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, 13th) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an addressed the tainted cooking oil incident today, calling on President Lai Qingde to immediately convene a national security meeting and mobilize cross-departmental efforts to resolve the issue and restore public confidence in food safety.

Regarding the Chung Lien Oils Co., Ltd. case, in which cooking oil products were found to contain carcinogens exceeding safety limits, 29 batches of products have been removed from shelves between April and June. On the 12th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the principles for relisting the products would be published on the 13th.

Speaking to reporters at the opening ceremony of the 'Keju Taipei Hakka Hub' at the Taipei Hakka Incubation Center on the morning of the 13th, Chiang Wan-an questioned, 'How can we even discuss relisting before clarifying how the oil was contaminated, its distribution channels, the proportion that has been recalled, and whether all risks have been fully eliminated?'

He said he finds it extremely difficult to understand how the government is not prioritizing the protection of consumers' lives and health in such a serious matter, adding that the incident has severely damaged public trust in food safety.

Regarding online rumors claiming that the Taipei City Government's tree-cutting activities are intended for enemy drone reconnaissance, the city's Department of Public Works, Park and Street Lighting Engineering Office, has begun collecting evidence. This has prompted Taipei City Council members to question whether the city intends to sue its citizens. Chiang Wan-an responded that such rumors will be dealt with according to the law.

Additionally, media reports indicate that due to Typhoon Bavi, Taipei and other counties and cities suspended work and classes on the 10th. As a result, major surgeries for critically ill patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were postponed. Hospital President Chen Wei-ming stated that typhoon-related work suspensions have caused significant difficulties for medical institutions.

Chiang Wan-an said the Taipei City Department of Health has required all medical institutions in the city to ensure full medical capacity and protect patients' rights. (Edited by Li Ming-zong) 1150713

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