Taichung City Upholds 'Better Strict Than Lenient' Principle to Safeguard Meal Safety; Mayor Lu Commends Frontline Staff

After benzopyrene (BaP) was detected in soybean salad oil produced by Chung Lien Oils, Taichung City Government immediately activated a cross-agency emergency response, continuing factory inspections, product recalls, supply chain tracing, end-point audits, and data verification. On the morning of the 23rd, Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen visited the Taichung City Food and Drug Safety Office to commend supervisors, case handlers, and frontline inspectors involved in the operation. She expressed gratitude for their continuous efforts in food safety inspections and emergency response, emphasizing that the city government will persist with the 'better strict than lenient' principle to strictly safeguard the public meal supply system and protect citizens’ family food safety.

Mayor Lu stated that in response to food safety incidents, the city government consistently adheres to the 'better strict than lenient' principle. Until the contamination source and related concerns are fully clarified, the government meal supply system will maintain stricter management standards. She has instructed the Health Bureau to notify all meal service providers—those funded by city government budgets, contracted with the city, or operating under city government programs—that they must continue to prohibit the use of the 19 batches of oil products previously suspended as a precaution, along with any products made from them, to protect the health of sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and patients. While the city respects the central government’s decision to allow the products back on general retail shelves, it does not encourage the public to purchase or use these products until all concerns are fully resolved.

The impact of this major food safety incident has been extensive. Mayor Lu noted that frontline staff have seen their workloads double, working day and night to trace, test, report, recall, and conduct thorough inspections—aiming to identify risks, issue notifications, and complete audits as quickly as possible to fully protect public food safety. She particularly thanked the key personnel handling this oil incident, acknowledging that many have balanced family and work responsibilities while dedicating long hours under heavy responsibility. The city government has specially prepared meal subsidies as a token of sincere appreciation and respect for all food safety partners.

Mayor Lu mentioned that she understands frontline staff have endured immense pressure—not only working overtime to investigate the case but also facing unfounded criticism from the public, which deeply saddens her. She encouraged staff not to be shaken by external voices, as they stand on the front line protecting public health, and everything they do is for the well-being of citizens and their families. The city government has consistently upheld two principles in handling this incident: 'disclose wherever investigation reaches' and 'full recall if any doubt exists.' The goal is to protect public health with the strictest possible approach until the full truth is uncovered. She concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to all hardworking staff: 'It’s so good to have you!'