Can Toxic Oil Be Fully Removed from Shelves? Chen Shih-chung Claims 'Even Drinking Water and Sunbathing Carry Risks' – Chiang Wan-an Slams Remarks as 'Absurd'

The carcinogenic oil scandal involving Chung Lian Oils has persisted for nearly a month. Executive Yuan Policy Advisor Chen Shih-chung recently stated that a complete removal of contaminated oil products from shelves could result in consumers having nothing left to eat. He argued that even activities like sunbathing and drinking water carry inherent risks, emphasizing that the government's role is to manage risks to levels acceptable to the public.

In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an sharply criticized Chen's remarks on the 28th, calling them 'absurd statements.' He questioned whether the ruling party was attempting to downplay a major incident and dismiss it entirely, urging the government to take responsibility, resolve the issue, swiftly uncover the truth, and provide a clear explanation to the public.

Chiang had previously raised the possibility of a vote of no confidence over the detection of carcinogenic substances exceeding safety limits in Chung Lian's oil products. Chen responded by denying any administrative negligence, stressing that food safety must be based on scientific principles and risk-based tiered management. He reiterated that restrictions should match the level of risk, warning that a blanket ban could leave people with no food. He maintained that sun exposure and drinking water also carry risks, and the key is managing these risks within reasonable and acceptable limits.

Speaking before a press event for the unveiling of a new Taipei Metro train, Chiang reiterated his criticism, stating that nearly a month after the incident, the government still has failed to clearly explain the cause or reveal the truth. He accused the administration of making baseless and absurd claims to minimize the issue and make it disappear from public discourse. 'The people of Taiwan are not fools,' he said, demanding that the government take responsibility, solve the problem, quickly clarify the facts, and provide a transparent account to the nation.

Additional exclusive reports from Wind Media include:

- Did the ruling party misjudge public opposition to toxic oil? Over 200,000 people gathered at Ketagalan Boulevard. A writer predicts Lai Qingde’s next move: 'Humiliation is nothing for 2028.'

- A Golden Horse Award-winning actor criticized the July 25 anti-toxic oil rally as 'trampling on Taiwan.' A netizen fired back: 'Organizing a massive recall on Ketagalan Boulevard is true patriotism.'

- Is the DPP ignoring public anger from 200,000 protesters? Shih Cheng-feng reveals the reason for their 'calm confidence': 'They believe this tactic is enough to control the situation.'

- While Tung T’ai Yi profits, Chung Lian faces a toxic oil scandal. Financial commentator Hsieh Chin-ho reveals a 'man-made disaster': 'Switching equipment from Europe to another country caused the crisis.'