James Soong questions James Chen's remarks on carcinogens, urges stricter food safety controls

People First Party Chairman James Soong has criticized remarks made by Academia Sinica President James Chen regarding the consumption of carcinogens, urging the government to implement stricter food safety controls. Soong’s comments came as he campaigned in Taoyuan, addressing concerns over food safety following recent scandals involving toxic oils.

Soong specifically questioned Chen's statement that "drinking more water can eliminate benzopyrene," calling it "likely lacking academic basis." He emphasized that the government should proactively offer health care and medical advice to the public, rather than merely telling citizens to seek compensation from manufacturers or making unsubstantiated claims. "The government exists to solve problems and answer questions for the people!" Soong declared.

Addressing the public outcry over food safety, Soong stressed that it is a matter of public health and not trivial. He advocated for a comprehensive management system starting from the source, with clear division of labor between central and local authorities. He cited his visit to a Taiwanese-operated tuna factory in Thailand, which underwent rigorous US FDA inspections, as a model for Taiwan to emulate. This approach, he noted, ensures food safety at the production level and fosters a positive link between producers and consumers without excessive administrative interference.

Furthermore, Soong proposed a second point of advice focusing on "medical remedies and common sense popularization." He argued that with many toxic foods already consumed, the immediate priority is to educate the public on how to manage their health, prevent illness, and recognize symptoms requiring medical attention. He called for health centers and hospitals nationwide to provide professional medical guidance to citizens during crises.