Taichung Deputy Mayor rejects accusations of being Chung Lian Oil gatekeeper

A heated confrontation occurred in the Taichung City Council between Democratic Progressive Party Councilor Chen Yu-jung and Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin regarding the inspection of Chung Lian Oil. Chen accused the city government of failing to conduct proactive inspections over the past eight years, noting that all 17 recorded tests were self-reported by the company. Chen labeled Cheng a ‘gatekeeper’ for the oil company, suggesting the administration's reliance on voluntary reporting creates structural risks for food safety.

Cheng rejected the accusation, calling it an ‘insult to his personality’ and a smear campaign. He argued that the city follows central government regulations which currently allow for voluntary testing by large manufacturers. Cheng stated that increasing proactive inspections for all large-scale producers would require ten times the current manpower, making it practically unfeasible. He emphasized that the city would comply with any future amendments to the Food Safety and Hygiene Management Act made by the central government.

The debate also touched upon the impact of banning certain oil products on school meal supplies, with reports indicating a significant shortage of replacement oil for school catering services in Taichung.