Taichung Mayor Criticized Over Food Safety Record Amid 'Toxic Oil' Rally Call

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has called for a rally on Ketagalan Boulevard to protest against "toxic oil," a move that has drawn sharp criticism online. Many netizens are questioning her administration's oversight, pointing out that her city reportedly conducted only one inspection for the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene during her eight-year tenure. The controversy centers on the safety of certain cooking oil products, with critics suggesting that more rigorous local checks could have prevented current issues. Minister of Health and Welfare Shiu Chien-liang stated that Taichung had only cooperated with one special inspection for benzo[a]pyrene in the problematic "Chung-lien" oil during Lu's term. Lu, who has had no public appearances in Taichung for three days, traveled to Taipei to rally support, accusing the central government of allowing problematic oils back on the market despite local opposition. She demanded transparency and insisted that no products should be sold without a "truth" about their safety. Online, many users flooded her Facebook post with negative comments, asking why her city only inspected once in eight years and accusing her of hypocrisy and merely putting on a show. Some sarcastically suggested that if local governments fail to inspect, mayors should be appointed directly by the central government.

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If the local government does not inspect, should the mayor be directly appointed by the central government?