Attending food safety meeting, Chiang Wan-an: Premier must bear political responsibility

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an asserted that the Premier must accept political responsibility for the government's handling of a toxic oil scandal, criticizing the administration's decision to withhold information about downstream businesses and selectively recall contaminated products. Chiang, who attended an executive meeting on food safety law amendments, stated that the government's initial decision to conceal the list of downstream businesses and only partially remove the toxic oil created public panic.

Chiang highlighted that amending food safety laws has become an urgent task. He previously submitted legislative amendment suggestions, advocating for a synchronized food safety reporting platform accessible to local and central governments. He also stressed the importance of source management, mandatory timely reporting by businesses and inspection units, and immediate public disclosure of product distribution and business lists. However, Chiang differentiated between legislative reform and accountability, questioning why the truth remains unclear over three weeks after the scandal erupted and why an investigation team was only formed and dispatched recently.

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The administrative department chose to conceal the information at the first instance, not announcing the list of downstream businesses, and selectively removing part of the toxic oil that endangers public health, which has cast a shadow of panic over the public. The Premier must bear political responsibility. We will not change our decision to take to the streets on the 25th.

"The administrative department chose to conceal the information at the first instance, not announcing the list of downstream businesses, and selectively removing part of the toxic oil that endangers public health, which has cast a shadow of panic over the public," Chiang said. "The Premier must bear political responsibility. We will not change our decision to take to the streets on the 25th."

Chiang also noted that while the KMT caucus has submitted its amendment version to the legislature, he regretted that only six major cities were invited to the meeting, excluding other counties. He believes all local governments have worked diligently in inspecting and recalling products. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, also present, expressed hope that the President would convene a national affairs conference to discuss the issue. She urged the government to value the suggestions and reform directions proposed by the 17 counties and cities, rather than treating them as mere attendees.

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We hope the President can convene a national affairs conference as soon as possible to discuss major plans. If the President cannot convene it, we will seize the opportunity this afternoon to present our meeting situation at the food safety law amendment meeting.