Chung Lien Carcinogenic Oil Scandal Widens: Li Yanqiu Lists '3 Major Revelations,' Mocks Lai Administration: 'At Least There's Dog Food to Eat'

Chung Lien Oils' soybean salad oil was found to contain benzopyrene, a carcinogen, at four times the legal limit, with nearly 1,300 metric tons of contaminated oil entering the market. The number of affected downstream food businesses continues to rise, triggering public panic. In response, media personality Li Yanqiu posted on Facebook listing three 'life lessons from carcinogenic oil,' harshly criticizing the DPP government's weak oversight of food safety. She sarcastically noted that although the government has been widely criticized, there's no need to worry—'the president has personally demonstrated that at least there's dog food to eat.' She urged the opposition to thoroughly investigate the truth rather than constantly demanding officials apologize or resign, as if an apology or resignation absolves responsibility. 'Do people really care about Lai Qingde's apology? Can his apology instantly turn the carcinogenic oil we've consumed into healthy oil?'

Regarding the recent carcinogenic oil scandal, Li Yanqiu stated that the oil entered the market and affected schools, military bases, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. The DPP government's inconsistent and frequently changing decisions have drawn severe criticism. By now, 1,300 metric tons of oil have already been consumed—'spilled oil cannot be收回.'

Li Yanqiu listed three 'life lessons from carcinogenic oil' to mock the Lai administration. First, the incident was exposed when downstream manufacturer Nanchow conducted independent testing and discovered the carcinogen exceeded standards by four times, immediately notifying its upstream supplier, Chung Lien Oils. However, Nanchow was fined NT$3 million for failing to report to the government immediately. The life lesson? 'You thought you'd get a medal, but instead you got a fine. Self-testing just creates trouble for yourself. If all companies follow Nanchow's example, how can officials govern? Fining Nanchow sends a warning to well-intentioned food manufacturers: don't disrupt the government, especially during election season when cabinet members are busy campaigning. Is it really worth whistleblowing over some carcinogenic cooking oil? Oh, right—do you have a green party membership card? If not, just stay silent.'

Li Yanqiu urged the opposition not to let officials off the hook with mere apologies or resignations. 'Can an apology turn toxic oil into healthy oil instantly?' she asked. Second, Nanchow detected the超标 in April, Chung Lien conducted retesting upon notification and informed the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Executive Yuan claimed Chung Lien notified authorities on June 30, they became aware on July 3, and products containing 20% carcinogenic oil were removed from shelves on July 4. After public backlash, all products were fully recalled on July 7, prompting opposition calls for Executive Yuan President Cho Jung-tai and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang to resign, and President Lai apologized.

Li Yanqiu pointed out that the timeline has serious inconsistencies and urged the opposition to investigate thoroughly rather than reflexively demanding apologies or resignations, as if those actions alone could absolve responsibility. 'The DPP government can be so incompetent as to cause such a massive scandal, yet these people must do everything possible to hold onto their positions. Don't let them resign easily. As for Lai's apology—do people really care? Can it make citizens feel 'awesome' or instantly turn the carcinogenic oil we've ingested into healthy oil?'

Third, Lai Qingde instructed: 'Punish according to law, halt production, and remove from shelves.' Li Yanqiu mocked this as 'Listening to you is like listening to nothing at all,' adding, 'The last time I heard such sensible words was the last time,' and 'If you exclude those who don't support you, your approval rating is 100%.' She concluded that anyone who can speak in empty platitudes can become president.

Li Yanqiu criticized the DPP government's weak food safety oversight, noting not only carcinogenic oil but also relaxed testing standards for ractopamine pork and approval for importing sprouted potatoes, leading many citizens to lament, 'Is there anything safe to eat anymore?' But, she sarcastically added, 'No need to worry—the president has personally demonstrated that at least there's dog food to eat.'