The food safety controversy surrounding Chung Lien Oils continues to escalate. KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin recently questioned whether high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Justice had interfered in the case, suggesting that the initial '20% recall threshold' set by the Food and Drug Administration was directed by President Lai Qing-te, triggering a strong rebuttal from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). DPP spokesperson Lin Chu-yin criticized Hsu on the 3rd, accusing her of diverting attention from Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's food safety responsibilities through a tactic she labeled 'surrounding oil to save Chiang.'

Lin demanded that Hsu present evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny, rather than turning hearsay into alleged insider knowledge or speculation into claimed truth. She emphasized that both the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Justice have denied any political interference. At a time when Taipei City's food safety oversight is under scrutiny, Lin argued that Hsu's repeated insinuations against the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the FDA constitute a political cover-up.

In response, Hsu posted on Facebook, asserting that she has already taken legal action. 'Didn't I already file a complaint with the prosecutor's office? I will also contact the Investigation Bureau soon to request an investigation into relevant personnel,' she stated, emphasizing that she has already done what Lin is demanding.

Hsu criticized the DPP as 'shameless,' insisting that investigating food safety issues is a legislator's duty and should not be dismissed as 'stirring up trouble.' She questioned the rationale behind the government's initial decision to allow products with less than 20% contamination to remain on shelves and called for greater transparency in the decision-making process. Regarding Lin's accusation of deflecting blame, Hsu countered that the DPP should not politicize legislative oversight of food safety.

Hsu also brought up Lin's past controversy in which she falsely accused a civilian of being a Chinese spy—a claim later proven false—pointing out that Lin has never apologized. She stressed that her actions are based on documented evidence submitted to prosecutors and investigators, a stark contrast to Lin's unsubstantiated political accusations.

Hsu further directed her criticism at prosecutors and investigators, warning, 'They must not become a cover-up for the toxic oil scandal.' She demanded answers on whether seized mobile phones from Chung Lien Oils executives contained messages indicating government officials would 'protect' those involved or references to 'expert meetings.' She called for the review of LINE chat logs and phone photo albums.

Hsu stated that since she has already filed a formal complaint, authorities should now summon relevant individuals and retrieve communication records to 'bring hidden secrets into the light.' However, her allegations of official interference, specific communications, and decision-making links remain unverified by judicial authorities. Both the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Justice have denied the claims, and the full truth and accountability still await investigation.

Additional reports from Storm Media: · Storm Media Poll: Toxic oil scandal impacts Lai administration—49.1% dissatisfied with Lai Qing-te and Cho Jung-tai; over half demand officials resign · Anime 'Neko Nyaa' removed over tobacco depiction; Ko Jung-pin criticizes Ministry of Health: 'Don't use cartoons to whitewash toxic oil' · Mocking Shen Po-yang's 'Yang-tao'! Yin Wei highlights toxic oil, Neihu flood control, and energy as three unresolved issues

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News