Presidential Office denies reports of meeting to discuss personnel changes amid food scandal

Reports suggesting a high-level meeting to discuss personnel changes in response to a food safety scandal have been denied by Taiwan's Presidential Office. Media outlets had indicated that a "bento box meeting" was scheduled at the presidential residence for July 18 to discuss the potential removal of Premier Cho Jung-tai, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, and Food and Drug Administration Director-General Wu Show-mei.

Presidential Office spokesperson Li Chih-chieh refuted these claims, stating that no such meeting was planned and the reports were untrue. She emphasized that all government agencies are currently fully engaged in addressing the "Chung-Lien" (likely referring to a specific product or company involved in the scandal) incident. Efforts include cooperating with local governments to implement preventive product recalls, accelerating sample testing, investigating the cause of the incident, stabilizing market supply, and expediting amendments to food safety laws.

Premier Cho Jung-tai acknowledged the government's shortcomings in promptly investigating and obtaining accurate information regarding the scandal. "I am truly sorry for the inability of the administrative agencies to investigate and obtain completely truthful information at the first instance," he stated. Cho pledged to continue pursuing the truth and gathering all necessary information, vowing to hold administrative officials accountable for any failures in their duties. He stressed that judicial matters would be left to the courts, while the administration would focus on reassuring the public.

The scandal, involving carcinogenic oil, has prompted the opposition Kuomintang party to organize a protest on July 25, with the Taiwan People's Party expressing support. The government's response and the handling of the crisis have come under scrutiny, leading to public concern and calls for accountability.