Taipei Mayor defends focus on food safety amid political criticism

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has pushed back against criticism from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Sean Shen, who accused the mayor of neglecting city affairs to focus on national issues. Shen suggested that Chiang's "heart should be in Taipei" given his position.

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Food safety is a municipal issue. As a legislator, Shen should also pay close attention to food safety issues and properly question and supervise the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Food and Drug Administration in the Legislative Yuan, speaking out for the health and food safety of the people.

Responding to the remarks at a business matchmaking event, Chiang asserted that food safety is fundamentally a municipal concern. He advised Shen, who serves as a legislator, to concentrate his efforts on scrutinizing central government bodies such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Food and Drug Administration from his seat in the Legislative Yuan. Chiang emphasized that these central agencies should be held accountable for public health and food safety.

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The central government hasn't provided a clear answer after a month. Why was there toxic oil? How extensive are the effects? Last week, I met with parent representatives, and they expressed concern about themselves and their children consuming problematic oils.

The mayor further criticized the central government's response to a month-long toxic oil scandal, questioning the lack of a clear explanation for the contamination and its extent. He highlighted that parents are concerned about their children consuming affected products. In response to what he described as the central government's inaction, Taipei is launching a food safety consultation service to provide reassurance to citizens.

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If the central government doesn't act, we will. Today, Taipei City has planned consultation services like this to provide reassuring and professional consultations for concerned parents, children, and all citizens.

Chiang also addressed comments made by Executive Yuan Minister Chen Shih-chung regarding the 20% recall standard for contaminated products. While Chen admitted the standard was based on expert advice but lacked consideration for practical implementation, Chiang noted that local governments, including Taipei and Kaohsiung, have questioned and opposed this standard. Taipei implemented a precautionary, full-scale recall immediately, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai also voiced similar concerns.

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This matter has been discussed by both blue and green camps. Local governments have questioned and opposed the 20% recall standard. Taipei was the first to implement a full precautionary recall.