KMT Claims Shih Chong-liang 'Confirmed Cho Jung-tai Covered Up Carcinogenic Oil' – Executive Yuan Reveals Full Timeline: 'Absolutely Taking Things Out of Context'

The controversy over carcinogenic cooking oil continues to escalate. The KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan accused Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chong-liang of personally confirming that as early as July 3, he had reported to Premier Cho Jung-tai a plan to 'only recall first-tier oil products,' with Cho's only instruction being the four words 'should reconsider,' implying that Cho was covering up the issue. In response, Executive Yuan spokesperson Lee Hui-chih stated that the instructions given during the July 3 meeting were 'absolutely not limited to just four words,' calling the KMT's claim 'a complete misrepresentation of context.'

Lee explained that during the July 3 meeting, the first directive was for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a comprehensive inspection of manufacturers and provide regular public updates on progress. The second directive was for the FDA to convene an expert panel and an industry association forum on July 4 to assess the scientific basis for expanding preventive recalls to second-tier manufacturers, verify potential violations of food safety laws, and enable local governments to impose penalties.

Lee emphasized that the July 3 meeting was convened by Premier Cho to directly hear reports from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the FDA on their response measures. She reiterated that after the MOHW received notification of this major food safety incident on June 30, it immediately initiated management procedures under the Food Safety Act on July 1. This included coordinating with Taichung City’s food safety authorities for on-site inspections and swiftly deciding to initiate recall mechanisms, requiring local health bureaus to ensure first-tier products were removed from shelves by noon on July 3.

On the afternoon of July 3, Premier Cho requested further reports from the MOHW and FDA to clarify responsibilities of relevant manufacturers and continue inspections of downstream suppliers. He also instructed the FDA to hold expert meetings on July 4. On July 6, Cho convened another meeting, instructing the FDA to stop relying on reports from local governments and instead directly demand complete data from upstream manufacturers, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on the latest information.

Lee stressed, 'The government has investigated where necessary, disclosed information transparently, recalled unsafe products, and imposed penalties—there has been no delay or cover-up.' She cited Taichung City’s Deputy Mayor, who stated during a recent Executive Yuan meeting, 'Neither the central nor local governments are covering anything up,' clearly indicating that even Taichung City does not believe the Executive Yuan is hiding information. 'Ensuring food safety and public confidence is the most important task right now—what we don’t need is political mudslinging.'

In response to opposition lawmakers calling for Health Minister Shih Chong-liang to resign over political accountability, Lee countered that the executive branch’s top priority is preparing for food safety and typhoon response, while the Legislative Yuan’s top priority should be completing the budget review. The budget proposal has already been pending for 315 days, and with a strong typhoon approaching, disaster preparedness is underway, yet the budget remains unapproved. Lee urged the legislature to expedite the review to avoid the unprecedented scenario of two fiscal years’ budgets simultaneously pending in the legislature.

Minister Shih also responded, stating he was repeatedly slandered as 'covering up' during yesterday’s legislative session, but insisted the executive team has never concealed anything. 'We disclose information as soon as we uncover it, based on scientific evidence and investigation progress, always prioritizing public health and scientific rigor,' he said.

He added that President Lai Ching-te has specifically instructed amendments to the Food Safety Act to address systemic loopholes revealed by this incident. The company involved became aware of the issue as early as May 13 but did not report it to authorities until June 30. Multiple third-party test results were withheld. Future amendments will strengthen self-inspection requirements, mandating more frequent testing during production and timely reporting to authorities to ensure real-time oversight.