Taiwan to Pass Food Safety Law Amendments After Oil Scandal

Taiwan's Executive Yuan is set to approve significant amendments to the Food Safety and Sanitation Act this Thursday, a move prompted by a recent scandal involving contaminated cooking oil. Premier Cho Jung-tai announced 10 key changes designed to bolster the nation's food safety framework.

The proposed legislation aims to enhance oversight across the entire food supply chain, from raw materials to final products. Key provisions include mandating more frequent self-inspections for high-risk food businesses, establishing a certification system for private laboratories, and strengthening reporting obligations for anomalies. The amendments also introduce a risk-based inspection mechanism for local authorities and a central command system for major food safety incidents.

Furthermore, the new law will clarify principles for recalling, preventatively recalling, and reintroducing products to the market. Penalties for delayed, concealed, or false reporting will be increased. Premier Cho stated that the amendments draw upon lessons learned from the recent "Chung-Lian Oil" incident and incorporate risk assessments and public feedback to create a more robust food safety defense system.

"Strictly guarding food safety so that the public can buy and eat with peace of mind is the highest principle of the government's food safety work," Cho said. He reiterated the government's commitment to transparency, legal compliance, and evidence-based handling of food safety issues, ensuring consumer rights and stable industry development.

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Strictly guarding food safety so that the public can buy and eat with peace of mind is the highest principle of the government's food safety work.