First Official to Fall in Toxic Oil Scandal? Huang Kuo-chang Claims 'He' Steps Down Before Kaodao Rally: Legal Amendments Aimed at Diverting Attention

The carcinogenic oil scandal involving Chung Lian Oils continues to escalate, raising food safety concerns and adding uncertainty to the 2026 local elections. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called on the public to join a 'Stop Toxic Oil' rally on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25, prompting other Kuomintang-affiliated mayors to follow suit. On July 22, Chiang also visited Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu to prioritize amendments to the Food Safety Act, demonstrating active political maneuvering.

Huang Kuo-chang, chair of the Taiwan People's Party and a participant in the upcoming rally, revealed during a radio interview on 'Qian Qiu Wan Shi' that the Lai administration is expected to dismiss Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Chiang Chih-kang this week.

Who is responsible for the toxic oil scandal? What is the public's stance?

Amid ongoing clashes between local and central authorities over the carcinogenic oil incident, Chiang Wan-an has repeatedly demanded that President Lai Ching-te apologize to the public and that Premier Cho Jung-tai resign. On July 22, Huang Kuo-chang stated on the 'Qian Qiu Wan Shi' program that the Taiwan People's Party clearly supports a cabinet reshuffle and Cho Jung-tai's resignation. He criticized the arrogance of Lai administration officials, citing remarks like 'I didn't force you to eat it.' Huang also argued that the Executive Yuan's legal amendment meetings are merely a show of busyness, emphasizing that the core issue is not legislation but execution capability. He pointed out that authorities took three weeks to investigate the manufacturer, yet 19 batches of Shangpin oil products have already been allowed back on shelves, accusing the DPP of diverting public attention.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (center) has repeatedly criticized the central government over the toxic oil scandal. (Photo credit: Liu Wei-hung)

Will Chiang Chih-kang be the first official to step down? What did Huang Kuo-chang reveal?

The Chung Lian Oils carcinogenic oil scandal has persisted for days. Amid fierce opposition criticism, Premier Cho Jung-tai issued his first apology on July 17, stating, 'I sincerely apologize for the administrative units' failure to conduct immediate investigations and obtain complete information.' Notably, during an ad break on the 'Qian Qiu Wan Shi' radio program, host Wang Chien-chiu cited a netizen's comment asking if a low-ranking official might be forced to resign if the July 25 rally draws a large crowd. Huang Kuo-chang suddenly revealed, 'I heard that a low-ranking official will be dismissed this Friday—probably the FDA Director-General (Chiang Chih-kang).' However, this information remains unconfirmed.

FDA Director-General Chiang Chih-kang held a press conference on July 21 titled 'FDA Announces Re-shelving Principles for Preventive Recall Products from Chung Lian Oils and Related Items.' (Photo credit: Yen Lin-yu)

Progress on oil recall: 19 batches re-shelved, sparking skepticism

Regarding the latest developments, the FDA announced on July 21 the batch-by-batch test results for 30 batches of oil produced by Chung Lian Oils from April to June. Seven batches were confirmed as non-compliant, and one batch had no retained samples due to export, meaning both cannot be re-sold and will be destroyed. The remaining 22 batches passed inspection. After review by the Food Risk Assessment Advisory Committee, 19 batches of preventive recall oil products already distributed to the market are now allowed to return to shelves immediately.

This decision has drawn criticism from the opposition. On July 21, Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, attending a Food Safety Act amendment meeting, criticized the central government, questioning why products are being rushed back to shelves before the truth about the toxic oil is clarified.

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