Taiwan Mayor Delegates Deputies to Food Safety Meeting Amid Scandal

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih has assigned his two deputy mayors to attend a crucial food safety meeting convened by the central government. The mayor cited a schedule conflict for his own absence from the meeting, which aims to discuss amendments to food safety laws in response to a growing food contamination scandal.

"The central and local governments must work side-by-side to resolve food safety issues," Hou stated. He stressed the importance of not only amending laws but also strengthening source management, increasing criminal penalties, and ensuring transparent information for the public. Hou believes that collaboration between all levels of government is essential for improving food safety oversight and reassuring citizens.

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The central and local governments must work side-by-side to resolve food safety issues.

The meeting comes as a food contamination scandal involving carcinogenic oil from Zhonglian Oil continues to spread. Mayors from several cities, particularly those governed by the opposition party, have called for national discussions on the issue. Hou's attendance at a planned public demonstration on July 25th, organized by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, remains uncertain and will depend on his schedule, which he promised to announce later.

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I believe the most important thing for food safety is not only amending laws, but also managing from the source, increasing criminal penalties, and providing transparent information so the public can understand food safety issues around them.