Taichung city councilor reflects downstream businesses and the public's inability to buy cooking oil

A shortage of cooking oil is affecting downstream businesses and the public in Taichung, Taiwan, following the recent 'Chung-Lien' toxic oil scandal. City Councilor Chu Nuan-ying reported that many businesses and consumers are finding it difficult to purchase cooking oil, especially with the upcoming school semester when demand for student meals increases.

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Downstream businesses and the public are currently unable to buy cooking oil.

Chu highlighted the challenges consumers face in returning contaminated oil, as many have lost receipts or discarded the containers. She also noted that some eateries using the tainted oil have seen a decline in customers, yet victims struggle to prove their losses. The councilor questioned the fairness of expecting individuals and businesses to bear the burden of proof for compensation.

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Allow uncontaminated cooking oil batches to be put on the market.

Taipei City Commercial Association Chairman Hsieh Feng-hsiang suggested that authorities should permit the sale of cooking oil batches that have passed quality checks. He stated that many association members have reported difficulties in obtaining oil, and allowing uncontaminated products back on the market could resolve the shortage. Legal Affairs Bureau Director Lee Shan-chih acknowledged the public's complaints about rising prices and availability issues, despite central government assurances of stable supply until the end of August.

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The central government guarantees that the oil supply will be sufficient until the end of August and that prices will not increase.