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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Taipei Mayor Slams Central Government Over Toxic Oil Scandal, Demands Transparency

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Taipei is investigating a widespread toxic oil scandal affecting 42 schools and numerous food products.
  • Mayor Chiang Wan-an criticized the central government's handling of the crisis, demanding transparency and better support for affected businesses and consumers.
  • The city has implemented five measures, including publicizing affected businesses and expanding oil testing, to address the food safety concerns.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has sharply criticized the central government's response to a widespread toxic oil scandal that has impacted 42 schools and a variety of food products across Taiwan. The scandal involves 18 types of oil and 30 batches from three companies, with concerns extending to instant noodle flavor packets, canned chili oil, and processed foods.

Chiang, speaking on Facebook, outlined five actions taken by the "Taipei team" and issued four "solemn appeals" to the central government. He argued that the central government's current approach complicates the recovery of used cooking oil and will negatively impact the food and beverage industries. "The entire nation and consumers need to know: where did the problematic oil go? Food safety absolutely cannot be covered up!" Chiang demanded, drawing parallels to the notorious "gutter oil" incident of the past.

The entire nation and consumers need to know: where did the problematic oil go? Food safety absolutely cannot be covered up!

— Chiang Wan-anMayor of Taipei, criticizing the central government's handling of the toxic oil scandal.

His appeals to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and central government include: immediately publishing a list of affected businesses and establishing a dedicated information portal; comprehensively inspecting all upstream oil producers; swiftly clarifying the source of contamination, whether from raw materials or processing; and rebuilding a robust source management mechanism with third-party verification and early warning systems.

Taipei's local measures include convening inter-departmental meetings, creating a dedicated inquiry zone on the Health Bureau's website, conducting widespread inspections and preventative removal of affected oil products from schools and restaurants, expanding random testing for carcinogens, and ensuring affected consumers receive refunds and compensation. Chiang urged the central government to cooperate with local authorities to safeguard food safety.

We will strictly follow up on the effectiveness of refunds and compensation to defend the consumer rights of the citizens.

— Chiang Wan-anRegarding the city's efforts to ensure affected consumers receive refunds and compensation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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