Taiwanese politician sparks outrage with 'tainted oil had no health risks' claim

A fierce debate has erupted in Taiwan over food safety, sparked by a controversial statement from Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Chiang Wan-an. Chiang claimed during a live broadcast that the "Ting Hsin tainted oil" scandal of the past did not pose health risks, asserting that the issue was merely the "disgusting" source of the ingredients.

Taipei City Councilor Yan Ruo-fang vehemently condemned Chiang's remarks, calling them "utterly absurd" and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Yan accused Chiang of sacrificing Taiwanese people's memories and health for political maneuvering. She questioned the KMT's sincerity in advocating for food safety, particularly in light of their planned weekend protest, asking, "If rancid oil and feed oil have 'no health concerns,' then what the hell street are the KMT going to protest on this weekend?"

Yan further elaborated that toxic compounds and carcinogens, including benzopyrene, were present in the tainted oils. She cited toxicological and medical experts who have confirmed the long-term chronic harm these substances can inflict on human liver, kidneys, and cells. Yan criticized the KMT for attempting to "whitewash" the Ting Hsin scandal to attack a current oil case, questioning if the KMT's food safety standards shift based on political affiliation.

The councilor accused the KMT of exhibiting double standards, defending their own while attacking political opponents. She argued that this behavior proves the KMT is more concerned with political interests than the safety of Taiwanese citizens' dining tables. Yan concluded by stating that food safety is a matter of science and conscience, not a tool for the KMT to incite hatred and create division.