Toxic Oil Scandal Confirms Seven Violations; FDA Commissioner Chiang Chih-Kang Criticized for Inconsistent Decisions, Past Food Safety Paper Becomes Focus of Scrutiny

Benzopyrene contamination in Zhonglian Oils' soybean salad oil has exceeded national safety standards by over four times, sparking a nationwide food safety panic in Taiwan. The initial test detected 8.1 micrograms per kilogram, more than four times the legal limit of 2 micrograms per kilogram, with approximately 1,300 metric tons of oil distributed downstream. The latest confirmation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reveals that a total of seven batches of oil and related products have violated food safety regulations, necessitating ongoing recalls and destruction procedures.

Controversy Erupts Over Inspection Authority; FDA Denies Blocking Local Investigations

Following the incident, FDA Commissioner Chiang Chih-Kang's crisis management has come under intense scrutiny. Allegations emerged that the central government had twice objected to local factory inspections, but the FDA issued a statement on July 18th, emphasizing that the central authority never blocked local inspections and dismissing such claims as selective information extraction. With conflicting narratives from both sides, administrative decision-making and central-local coordination have become new points of contention.

Recall Criteria Changed Repeatedly; Public Denounces Risk Communication Failure

Initially, the Ministry of Health and Welfare set a preventive recall threshold at 20% usage ratio of the contaminated oil. However, amid rising public concern and food safety fears, the policy shifted to a full-scale preventive recall. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-Liang admitted that delayed investigations were caused by the company's information concealment and pledged to review administrative oversights once the incident is resolved.

As of July 21st, Taichung City Government has cumulatively recalled and removed over 370,000 kilograms of contaminated oil and precautionary recalled products, tracing 219 downstream catering and processing businesses. On the same day, the FDA announced that out of 30 batches of oil produced by Zhonglian from April to June, 19 batches were cleared for re-release after testing and traceability verification, seven batches were confirmed as non-compliant, and one batch was prohibited from sale due to lack of test samples.

Past Academic Paper Resurfaced; Accused of Becoming the Bureaucrat He Once Criticized

KMT legislator Chen Ching-Hui referenced Chiang Chih-Kang's 2016 research paper, 'A Study on Food Safety Regulation and Enforcement in Taiwan,' during questioning. The paper criticized regulatory agencies for inadequate risk management and lack of risk communication—ironically, Chiang is now accused of failing to promptly disclose product distribution and risks during the toxic oil crisis, creating a stark contrast.

Critics also argue that food containing substances harmful to human health should, in principle, not be manufactured, processed, or sold, and that regulatory authorities should not base recall decisions solely on ingredient ratios. However, whether the FDA violated food safety laws must be determined based on actual administrative orders, test results, and legal interpretations, not merely political attacks.