Taisugar Reported Benzopyrene超标 in May; Dr. Su Wei-shuo Demands Government Explanation: Why Did MOHW Only Learn in Late June?

New evidence has emerged in the Chung Lian Oil carcinogenic oil scandal. Today (1st), the Taichung District Court ordered the detention of Chung Lian Oil's plant manager, Chen Ming-rong. The reason for detention is that Taisugar had already informed Chung Lian Oil in May that its oil products tested above the legal limit for benzopyrene. Upon learning this, physician Su Wei-shuo posted on Facebook questioning why the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were not informed until late June, demanding explanations from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and MOHW.

Prosecutors had requested Chen Ming-rong's detention, but the Taichung District Court initially ruled to release him on a NT$1 million bail. Prosecutors appealed, and the Taichung High Court overturned the ruling, sending it back for retrial. After reconvening the detention hearing, the Taichung District Court determined that Chen Ming-rong is strongly suspected of violating the Food Safety and Sanitation Act and poses a risk of collusion or evidence tampering, thus ordering his detention without visitation rights. Chen is now the fourth defendant detained in this case.

Su Wei-shuo posted on Facebook titled 'Taisugar Reported Benzopyrene超标 in May,' pointing out that Taisugar learned of the超标 earlier than Nanchiao. He questioned, 'If Taisugar reported it in May, why were MOHW and the FDA kept in the dark?' He further demanded to know exactly which day in May the test results were known, urging the government to publicly explain: 'The public deserves transparency! This is outrageous!'

According to the Taichung District Court, Chen Ming-rong, as plant manager of Chung Lian Oil Refinery, also serves as the company's management representative and head of the food safety team, directly reporting to the general manager. After Taisugar reported the超标 in May, Chung Lian Oil was already aware. Chen had also been warned by subordinate managers about the seriousness of the incident. Later, when Nanchiao again detected abnormalities, Fushou notified Chung Lian, but senior management chose not to take active measures after internal discussions.

The court noted that Chung Lian only 'reluctantly' reported to the authorities after the situation escalated in June, information leaked, and whistleblowers took action. Given Chen's position and responsibilities, he had the authority to influence decisions. His defense statements showed signs of deflection, and with the investigation ongoing, the court deemed detention necessary.

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