Chung Lien Oils Case: Premier Cho Calls for Central-Local Collaboration to Clarify and Face the Issue Together

(Central News Agency reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, July 15) Premier Cho Jung-tai addressed the Chung Lien Oils case today, stating that only through united efforts between central and local governments can the incident be clearly clarified, giving the public greater assurance on food safety. The central government will fully cooperate and face the issue together.

Speaking at an event hosted by the United General Association of Taiwan Chambers of Commerce in Asia in Taichung, Cho expressed gratitude to Legislative Yuan Vice President John Chiang for yesterday’s special report in the Legislative Yuan, which allowed the Executive Yuan time and opportunity to fully explain its actions regarding the salad oil incident to the public.

Cho thanked Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, noting that after receiving notification on June 30, the Ministry of Health and Welfare collaborated with the Taichung City Government on July 1 to take immediate action—ordering the Chung Lien factory to halt operations and remove products from shelves.

Cho pointed out that both the Taichung municipal and central governments are confronting a private company with serious lapses in social responsibility, which deliberately delayed reporting and concealed facts. Only through central-local unity and joint efforts can the incident be thoroughly clarified, ensuring greater public confidence in food safety.

Cho affirmed that the central government will fully cooperate and face the issue together, hoping to swiftly clarify the situation so that all food products on the market continue to serve as reliable safeguards for national food safety.

In a joint media interview, Mayor Lu expressed hope that the central government would demonstrate stronger determination in protecting food safety. She criticized the central government’s decision-making as somewhat chaotic—citing that product distribution routes were not disclosed until nearly a week after the incident, and that officials initially claimed 20% of the carcinogenic oil was edible before later deciding all such oil should be removed from shelves. Lu suggested the Executive Yuan should adopt a more humble stance, emphasizing that showing genuine commitment to food safety is crucial.

Lu recommended the central government swiftly investigate the root cause, apologize to the public, and have underperforming cabinet ministers resign to take political responsibility—so the public can truly witness the government’s resolve in safeguarding food safety. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150715