DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Taiwan Indicts 15 in Oil Scandal; Health Minister Defends Swift Probe Amid Political Questions

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Taiwanese authorities have indicted 15 individuals and four companies in the Zhonglian Oil case for violating food safety laws.
  • Some legislators question the swift indictment, suggesting it aims to shield high-ranking officials.
  • Health Minister Shieueh-liang emphasizes respect for judicial processes and the ministry's focus on improving food safety regulations.

Taiwanese prosecutors have swiftly indicted 15 individuals, including executives and managers, along with four corporate entities, in connection with the Zhonglian Oil case. They face charges for violating the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, following a scandal that raised significant public health concerns.

The rapid conclusion of the investigation has drawn scrutiny from some legislators. They have publicly questioned whether the swift indictment is intended to protect high-ranking officials within the ruling Democratic Progressive Party from responsibility. These concerns highlight the political sensitivity surrounding the case and the public's demand for accountability.

Gratitude to the judiciary for quickly clarifying the truth and seeking heavy penalties for those who maliciously violated the system. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's responsibility is to repair the systems that need fixing and return oil safety to the people.

— Shieueh-liangHealth Minister Shieueh-liang expressing thanks for the swift investigation and emphasizing the ministry's role in regulatory reform.

In response to the allegations, Minister of Health and Welfare Shieueh-liang stated his gratitude for the judiciary's prompt investigation and its pursuit of severe penalties for those who intentionally violated the system. He emphasized that his "position is not in my heart" and that he respects the judicial and investigative processes. The ministry's priority, he added, is to repair the regulatory system and restore food oil safety for the public.

Minister Shieueh-liang also noted that the Legislative Yuan is reviewing amendments to the Food Safety and Sanitation Act. Proposed changes include strengthening source and process management, expanding reporting obligations for abnormal situations, and introducing a certification system to enhance external quality management. Separately, he appealed for public support in purchasing Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes made by sheltered workshops, as sales have significantly declined this year.

My position is not in my heart. I respect everything the judicial and investigative agencies do.

— Shieueh-liangHealth Minister Shieueh-liang addressing concerns that the investigation might be politically motivated.
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.

More Stories

From Our Blog