Lawmaker Slams Local Government for Evading Responsibility in 'Carcinogenic Oil' Scandal

Taiwanese legislator Kuo Yu-ching has strongly criticized local governments, accusing them of shirking their frontline responsibilities in the ongoing "carcinogenic oil" scandal. The controversy centers on oil produced by Chung-Lien, which has been found to contain dangerously high levels of benzopyrene, a known carcinogen.

Kuo pointed to the timeline of events, noting that central government received a report on June 30 and jointly inspected the factory with the Taichung City Government on July 1. Subsequent product recalls and a full precautionary recall of oil from April to June were implemented. She highlighted that official documents confirm the Taichung City Government's participation in these actions, questioning claims that the central government hindered investigations or public disclosure.

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This is the real reason for public panic.

The legislator revealed that companies including Nan-Chiao, Fwusow, and Chung-Lien detected elevated benzopyrene levels in their own tests starting in April. However, they allegedly failed to report this for over two months. Chung-Lien's own tests in June also showed excessive levels, yet no immediate public statement was made. Kuo stated, "This is the real reason for public panic."

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The factory is in Taichung, and the frontline inspection authority is also with the local government. The local government has an unavoidable responsibility.

Questioning the adequacy of local oversight, Kuo noted that the Taichung City Government conducted only six inspections of Chung-Lien over four years, with oil testing occurring just once. She argued that this insufficient scrutiny allowed high-risk products to enter the market. Kuo criticized what she described as a recurring pattern where local governments blame the central government for issues, stating, "The factory is in Taichung, and the frontline inspection authority is also with the local government. The local government has an unavoidable responsibility."

Kuo emphasized that food safety is not a political battle and that shifting blame will not resolve the issue. She expressed the public's desire to understand why problems known since April were allowed to persist until July, leading to widespread product distribution. The legislator stressed that accountability, not political maneuvering, is crucial.

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Why were problems known since April allowed to persist until July, letting so many products enter the market?