Behind the Scenes: Blue Camp Early Noticed Toxic Oil Scandal Simmering Among Public; KMT and Chiang Wan-an Unite for Street Protests to Safeguard Food Safety

The Zhonglian toxic oil scandal continues to intensify. DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng lashed out at political commentator Huang Yang-ming, saying 'It's not me forcing you to eat it,' inadvertently giving the Blue Camp a political opening. After Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an visited KMT headquarters, the party announced it would hold a street protest after its July 25 national convention to oppose toxic oil and support food safety. Chiang will also meet with Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan and Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang to visit Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen on the 18th. According to sources, while the public largely views this event as led by Chiang Wan-an, figures such as Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en and the KMT central leadership had already been preparing, resulting in a swift consensus and execution.

DPP blames local responsibility, but Blue Camp realizes public anger is simmering

After the Zhonglian oil scandal broke, the DPP emphasized that lax inspections by KMT-led local governments were to blame. They aggressively targeted Fu Shou Corporation Chairman Hung Yao-kun—also a current director at Zhonglian Oils—for donating political contributions to Blue Camp politicians. In the media narrative, the DPP also diverted public attention by highlighting controversies involving legislator Wan Mei-ling and her son, including bullying and land development projects.

In reality, KMT legislators at the local level had already sensed strong public concern over the toxic oil issue, though only Blue Camp supporters expressed visible outrage—the incident had already been simmering. One legislator noted that while Wu Cheng’s comment was the spark that ignited public anger, statements by Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-i claiming that frying chicken cutlets produces carcinogens like benzopyrene had already caused widespread public dissatisfaction.

Ko Chih-en unites six metropolitan candidates to launch National Food Safety Alliance initiative

According to Wind Media, frontline legislators were not alone in detecting the shifting public sentiment—mayoral candidates also keenly sensed the mood. For instance, Ko Chih-en, a proportional representative legislator and Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, has already begun coordinating with KMT mayoral candidates and incumbent mayors across the six major cities this week to form an alliance and launch the 'National Food Safety Alliance Initiative.' The initiative stresses, 'Since the central government cannot safeguard food safety, let localities save themselves and let the people join in monitoring.' It has received support from nearly all candidates and city leaders.

KMT central leadership proactively prepares; youth candidates protest at Control and Executive Yuan

The KMT central leadership also noticed the changing narrative. In addition to frequent press conferences and press releases by the caucus and communications department, young KMT councilor candidates—including Chen Kuan-an (Ganghu District), Li Ming-hsuan (Songxin District), and Chen Yi-lo (Yonghe, New Taipei)—recently held a protest titled 'Youth Generation Defending Food Safety! Accusing the Lai Administration of Illegal Negligence!' at the Control Yuan and Executive Yuan. This action was directly ordered by the KMT central leadership.

Sources indicate that KMT officials have repeatedly referenced the Want-Win oil scandal during Ma Ying-jeou’s era, recalling how the DPP attacked the then-ruling KMT using academic circles, the legislature, and roadshows. Thus, during Wednesday’s standing meeting in Yilan, plans for street protests were already underway, with coordination requested between Legislative Yuan caucus leader Fu Kun-chi and the Taiwan People’s Party to communicate with TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang.

Chiang Wan-an intensifies criticism, declaring 'Forcing me to eat toxic oil forces me to take to the streets'

Coincidentally, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an publicly declared, 'Forcing me to eat toxic oil forces me to take to the streets,' urging citizens to join protests. Sources reveal that Chiang’s camp had already been planning follow-up actions since early July, when Premier Cho Jung-tai announced a 'cover-up' and FDA Commissioner Chiang Chih-kang stated a '20% tolerance level.' However, street protests were not initially considered. Only after observing Chiang Wan-an’s escalating criticism of the central government, followed by the Executive Yuan’s release of a list of affected businesses, did they conclude that public and opposition pressure needed to be amplified—leading to the decision to call for street protests. Chiang visited the Legislative Yuan caucus on the 17th.

It is understood that Chiang communicated with KMT central leadership before taking action, resulting in a mutual understanding—prompting Cheng Li-wen to immediately hold a press conference. After meeting with KMT headquarters, Chiang immediately called Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen to discuss future edible oil and food safety issues, inter-city defense coordination among KMT counties, and the importance of effectively promoting the street protest with full attendance to ensure the DPP takes the issue seriously—leading to the confirmation of the 19th’s visit schedule. The KMT central leadership is currently urging supporters north of Taichung to gather on Ketagalan Boulevard to confront the arrogant DPP.