Chung Lian Oil Shutdown 'Has No Deadline'! Premier Cho Announces 5 Major Measures on Carcinogenic Oil: Support for Class-Action Lawsuits, Lenient Returns

Chung Lian edible oil was found to contain超标 levels of the carcinogen 'benzopyrene,' with 1,300 tons flowing to downstream suppliers across Taiwan. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has imposed a fine of NT$165.2 million on Chung Lian. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today (9th) that central and local authorities will cooperate to assist consumer group litigation and coordinate with businesses to allow returns upon presentation of purchase proof, emphasizing that 'Chung Lian's shutdown has no deadline' until the root cause is clarified.

Cho stated, 'Investigate when necessary, penalize when appropriate, disclose when required, and recall when needed.' The incident is still under investigation, and the Executive Yuan has outlined five key actions, urging full cooperation from local governments.

1. Expand preventive recalls based on test results Cho explained that the company reported超标 test results for oil batches from April and May on June 30 and July 7, prompting the Ministry of Health and Welfare to mandate a full recall of affected products. All other edible oils produced by Chung Lian in April, May, and June, as well as first- and second-tier derivative products, will be subject to preventive recalls starting immediately.

2. Central-local cooperation to assist consumer group litigation Cho noted that under the Food Safety Act and Consumer Protection Act, both central and local governments have mechanisms to assist consumers in filing group lawsuits. At this moment, central and local authorities must work together to connect consumers with consumer protection groups to initiate class-action lawsuits and safeguard consumer rights. Financial support for litigation expenses will be provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food Safety Fund, as stipulated by the Food Safety Act.

3. Coordinate with downstream businesses for lenient, swift, and simplified return procedures Cho mentioned that he has asked Councilor Chen Shih-chung to convene relevant agencies including the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Economic Affairs to coordinate with downstream businesses to implement return policies that are 'lenient, favorable, swift, and simplified.' The goal is to allow returns or exchanges for any consumer presenting invoices, receipts, or other sufficient proof of purchase—including credit card records, transaction logs, or the purchased goods themselves.

4. Thoroughly investigate root causes; shutdown has no deadline Cho emphasized that the Ministry of Health and Welfare must cooperate with prosecutors to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the source of raw materials, production processes, and concealment responsibilities of the involved company. 'Until the root cause is clarified and fully rectified, Chung Lian's shutdown has no deadline,' he stated.

5. Initiate Food Safety Act amendments to deter unscrupulous operators Cho urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to immediately begin amending the Food Safety Act, reconstructing four lines of defense: 'source management, process inspection, third-party verification, and post-market audits.' Stricter regulations will close management loopholes and eliminate unscrupulous operators who conceal violations, demonstrating the government's firm resolve to safeguard food safety.

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