Will the Toxic Oil Scandal Impact the 2026 Elections? 85% of Public Believe It Will Affect 'This Party,' Latest Online Voting Results Revealed

A food safety controversy has escalated into a political battle following the discovery of benzopyrene levels exceeding safety standards in soybean salad oil produced by Zhonglian Oils. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has strongly confronted the central government and formally called on the public to gather on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25, demanding an apology from President Lai Qing-te and the resignation of Premier Cho Jung-tai. As the incident continues to spread, online polls have surveyed public opinion on its potential impact on the 2026 local elections, revealing that as high as 85% of netizens believe the ruling party's vote share will be affected.

The food safety controversy originated from Zhonglian Oils' soybean salad oil, which was found to contain harmful levels of 'benzopyrene.' Given the widespread impact, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has taken strong action against the central government, publicly calling for a mass gathering on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25 to protest. Chiang has issued two key demands: an apology from President Lai Qing-te to the nation and the resignation of Premier Cho Jung-tai, rapidly escalating the food safety issue into a political confrontation between the blue and green camps.

Over 13,000 people participated in an online poll! 86% of netizens say toxic oil will impact the ruling party's 2026 vote share

To assess whether this carcinogenic oil scandal could have political spillover effects, the YouTube channel 'NOWnews Xiangmin University Question' launched an online poll on July 17 with the question: 'Do you think the toxic oil will affect the 2026 elections?' By 10 a.m. on July 19, the poll had attracted over 16,000 participants, reflecting high public concern. The results show a highly one-sided public opinion:

- Will impact elections: 85% — As many as 85% of netizens believe 'Yes, it will impact the ruling party's vote share.' - No impact: 12% — Only 12% believe 'No, it has nothing to do with local elections.' - No opinion: 3% — The remaining 3% said 'Don't know, no opinion.'

Public anger remains high! Critics question why information was suppressed in April, saying 'We've already consumed it for three months.'

In the poll's comment section, many victims and netizens expressed dissatisfaction. Numerous users pointed out that the toxic oil affects public health across the board: 'Regardless of political color, everyone eats, and so do livestock and animals—no one can escape.'

Additionally, many comments directly criticized the central government's crisis management and transparency. Some netizens questioned that the issue was known as early as April, implying consumers may have unknowingly consumed the oil for three months: 'The toxic oil wasn't just discovered now—news reports say someone knew as early as April, so we may have consumed it for three months.'

Netizens also criticized that in past food safety incidents, responsibility always fell on the ruling party, but now the central government is blaming local authorities for acting too quickly and was initially hesitant to release information, angrily asking, 'Why are the standards different now?'

Others argued, 'When problems occur, it's always the ruling party's fault—then why even elect mayors?' 'Personally, I don't think it will affect the elections—Taiwan is already deeply divided along political lines.' 'A question: Shouldn't local governments be responsible for inspections? So, were local audits properly implemented? Are there loopholes? How will they be fixed and laws amended?'

However, some netizens remain cautious, worrying about how long the public outrage will last: 'The question is, how long can the toxic oil issue remain in the spotlight? People will forget before the year ends.' 'Taiwanese people have short memories—they always forget the pain once the wound heals.'

Full discussion: Do you think the toxic oil will affect the 2026 elections?