Taiwan MOHW accepts responsibility for 20% oil product recall based on expert advice

Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has affirmed its responsibility for the decision to recall 20% of products containing problematic oils, a move based on expert recommendations. Deputy Minister Lin Ching-yi stated that the ministry stands by the decision, which was informed by expert meetings and international standards.

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The 20% consideration was proposed by experts in the meeting. The MOHW believes the expert recommendation is reasonable, so we made the relevant decision. I think this is something our entire MOHW will take responsibility for, no problem.

Lin explained that the 20% recall threshold was proposed by experts during a meeting on July 4, citing past recall principles, international practices, and relevant literature. She emphasized that the decision was made on a scientific and data-driven basis, with the FDA director, who is also a food safety expert, involved in the discussions. As the primary health authority, the MOHW deemed the expert advice reasonable and proceeded with the recall.

The ministry criticized the politicization of food safety issues, warning that distorting scientific findings for political gain is detrimental to the overall development of food safety. Lin stressed that food safety is a highly rigorous science, and while the government respects professional expertise, it must also consider the public's perspective. She urged a return to focusing on manufacturer accountability, noting that the current political discourse is unhelpful.

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It is very unacceptable for manufacturers to conceal information. As soon as the FDA learned of the incident, it immediately went to the scene for investigation with the Taichung City Department of Health and also informed judicial authorities to intervene.

Regarding the specific case of Chung Lien Oil, the MOHW highlighted that manufacturers concealing issues is unacceptable. The FDA and the Taichung City Department of Health immediately investigated upon learning of the incident, involving judicial authorities. Lin pointed out that existing regulations under the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act" clearly outline requirements for edible oils. Had the manufacturer adhered to these regulations and promptly addressed the issue upon discovering the problematic oil, the situation would not have escalated. The ministry reiterated the importance of addressing issues at their source.

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If manufacturers handle it according to regulations and deal with the problematic oil promptly after discovering it, the situation would not have escalated to this point.