Opposition slams Taiwan government over 'cover-up' in carcinogenic oil scandal

A food safety scandal involving carcinogenic oil has intensified in Taiwan, with opposition leader Huang Kuo-chang accusing the government of a "cover-up." Central United Oil, a major oil producer, sold approximately 1,300 tons of soybean salad oil contaminated with high levels of benzopyrene (BaP), a Group 1 carcinogen. The contaminated oil has affected major brands like Taishan, Fwusow, and Fomow, as well as hundreds of food processing and catering businesses nationwide. Huang, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, criticized the Ministry of Health and Welfare for its delay in releasing the list of downstream businesses that received the contaminated oil. He contrasted this with the opposition's demands in 2014 for swift disclosure when a similar scandal involving inferior oil from Vietnam occurred. President Lai Ching-te recently called for accountability, stating that "those who should be held accountable will be held accountable, with no leniency." However, Huang questioned who should be held responsible now, given the government's perceived inaction. He highlighted that less than 2% of the 1,300 tons of carcinogenic oil has been recovered, and the full distribution network remains unclear. Huang demanded a clear timeline from the authorities for the complete disclosure of the oil's flow, criticizing the government's handling of the crisis as chaotic and negligent of public food safety.

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Those who should be held accountable will be held accountable, with no leniency.