Taiwan probes contaminated Zhonglian oil, calls for accountability across government

The Taiwanese central government is investigating the Zhonglian oil scandal after soybean salad oil was found to contain carcinogenic levels. Prosecutors have launched three search waves since July 9, and Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui‑chi said that industry players, local authorities and the central government must all be examined.

Mayor of Taichung Lu Hsiu‑yen questioned legislators about who the “gatekeeper” of the case is. She suggested that Food and Drug Administration head Jiang Zhi‑gang and Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih‑chung are unlikely to be the key decision‑makers, noting their recent appointments and past handling of food‑safety issues.

Public opinion shows around 40 % of respondents blame the central government. Li emphasized that food safety is a scientific issue, not a partisan one, and that reforms to the Food Safety Act are under consideration. No resignations have been confirmed for the officials mentioned.