Hou You-ih on Re-shelving of Problematic Oil Products: Clarify the Source First

(Central News Agency, reporter Huang Hsu-sheng, New Taipei, July 15) New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-ih stated today that before re-shelving oil products previously involved in safety incidents, the source of the problem must first be clarified through full traceability from upstream to downstream, so that the public can eat and buy with confidence. Local governments will fully cooperate with central authorities in active inspections, and strict actions will be taken where necessary.

On July 14, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the re-shelving principles for 'preventive recall products' in the Chung-Lien Oils incident, adopting a 'source-specific and item-specific' three-stage comparison model. Mayor Hou You-ih was questioned about his views during a press briefing after today's city council meeting.

He reiterated that the government has the responsibility to first clarify the source of the problem and trace its distribution flow to ensure public confidence in food safety. Regarding source management, the government must ensure layered oversight and clear accountability, tracing from the top down through the supply chain to fully understand the origins and progression of the issue. Only after public trust is restored should products be allowed back on shelves.

Hou said that even after the government establishes re-shelving principles, proper implementation remains critical. It is essential to examine whether execution is clear, transparent, and rigorously enforced. In safeguarding food safety, both central and local governments must work together seamlessly and spare no effort.

Hou emphasized that local governments will fully cooperate with the central authority, actively conduct inspections, and impose strict penalties where warranted. Particularly for businesses that intentionally concealed information, authorities will pursue accountability rigorously. Under the central government's established principles, local agencies will fulfill their enforcement responsibilities. (Editor: Long Bo-an) 1150715