KMT Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en confirmed her participation in the July 25 protest against the “tainted oil” scandal, aligning with calls from Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen. The protests follow public concern over the Zhonglian Oil case, with officials debating potential revisions to the Food Safety Act and the government’s handling of administrative responsibility.
During an event at the Kaohsiung Municipal Social Education Center on July 19, Ko expressed her support for the protest movement. She stated that the public is frustrated by the lack of clarity regarding the source of the problematic oil and the government’s response. “If you force me to eat toxic oil, you are forcing me to take to the streets,” Ko said, adding that the government should be held to the same accountability standards applied in 2014, including potential resignations of high-level officials.
Accountability Standards and Legislative Reform
The debate over food safety has prompted calls for legislative changes. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai recently suggested there is room to amend the Food Safety Act to better define the roles and responsibilities of central and local governments. Ko voiced her agreement with this proposal, noting that current disputes between local and central authorities have created unnecessary confusion. She argued that a clear legal framework is necessary to ensure a safe environment for citizens.
Did You Know?
The 2016 presidential campaign for Tsai Ing-wen prominently featured the “Five Food Safety Rings” policy, which was a core component of her platform at the time.
Government Response and Clarification
Administrative officials have pushed back against claims that the central government obstructed investigations. On July 18, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) would present a report on five major food safety measures on July 20, with a formal review scheduled for the Executive Yuan meeting on July 23. Cho emphasized that the central and local governments should prioritize cooperation over competition regarding the speed of investigations.
Regarding specific allegations of pressure on the Taichung City government, Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih clarified the timeline of events. According to Li, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Taichung officials inspected the facility on July 1. Following an expert meeting on July 4, which concluded that the facility was unlikely to resume operations, the FDA declined to conduct further inspections requested by the city on July 5, citing the lack of necessity for additional site visits until the facility was approved for reopening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the July 25 event?
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called for a protest on July 25 to express public anger regarding the recent food safety concerns surrounding the Zhonglian Oil case.
What is the government’s next step regarding food safety?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare is scheduled to present a report on five new food safety measures on July 20, which will be discussed at the Executive Yuan meeting on July 23.
Why did the FDA decline a second inspection of the facility?
According to Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih, an expert meeting on July 4 determined that the facility was unlikely to resume operations, making additional inspections unnecessary at that time.
Do you believe that legislative revisions to the Food Safety Act will be sufficient to address public concerns regarding industrial oversight?
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