Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen are facing intense scrutiny from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilors following the announcement of a July 25 protest on Ketagalan Boulevard regarding the “Zhonglian Oils” carcinogenic oil scandal. While Taichung City officials maintain they conducted rigorous food safety inspections throughout 2025, local lawmakers have challenged these figures, accusing the municipal government of political posturing rather than addressing public health concerns.
Taichung City Inspection Data Under Scrutiny
The Taichung City Government reported that in 2025, it performed 88,000 food safety checks and 7,250 laboratory tests. Officials stated that 67 of these tests specifically targeted cooking oil, with 30 conducted directly at oil manufacturing facilities. The city government emphasized that inspection strategies are based on central government projects, risk assessments, and product categories, stating that inspection frequency cannot be reduced to a simple comparison of a single operator.
However, Taichung City Councilor Chou Yung-hung challenged these statistics, arguing that the volume of inspections reported does not align with the limited oversight applied to Zhonglian Oils. Chou questioned how a government claiming many thousands of annual inspections could test the specific oil manufacturer only once. He characterized the city’s defense as an attempt to “round out a lie” with large numbers to distract from the core issue.
Did You Know?
The Taichung City Government reported that its 2025 food safety enforcement included 88,000 total inspections and 7,250 specific laboratory tests, a figure that has become the focal point of a political dispute between the municipal administration and local opposition councilors.
Political Fallout and the July 25 Protest
The decision by Mayor Lu and Mayor Chiang to organize a July 25 protest and a proposed “Online National Affairs Conference” for county and city heads has drawn sharp criticism from DPP members. Councilor Chou accused the mayors of abandoning their municipal duties to engage in “political maneuvering” and “buck-passing” instead of providing accountability for the oil contamination crisis.
Councilor Chen Yu-lung further criticized Mayor Lu’s approach, calling the mayor’s characterization of the central government’s handling of the oil issue “arrogant.” Chen argued that if the city government possesses evidence of wrongdoing, it should present it rather than relying on speculation to sway public opinion. The opposition has also demanded transparency regarding the upcoming protest, questioning whether official city resources, such as public vehicles or security details, will be utilized for the event.
Pending Questions on Transparency
The controversy is compounded by concerns over historical data transparency. Councilor Chou specifically referenced a test result from April 26, 2024, which reportedly failed to disclose levels of benzo(a)pyrene. The city government has yet to provide a detailed explanation for this omission, leaving the administration open to further questions regarding its past regulatory performance. As the July 25 protest approaches, it is likely that the pressure on the Taichung City administration to clarify its testing records and justify its protest participation will intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core conflict between the Taichung City Government and opposition councilors?
The conflict centers on the adequacy of food safety inspections for “Zhonglian Oils.” While the city claims it conducted 88,000 inspections in 2025, councilors argue the firm was not sufficiently monitored.
Why are the mayors planning a protest on July 25?
Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Mayor Lu Shiow-yen are organizing the event in response to the carcinogenic oil scandal, framing it as a protest against the central government’s handling of the issue.
What specific data regarding oil inspections did the Taichung City Government provide?
The city stated that out of 7,250 food tests, 67 were related to cooking oil, with 30 of those tests conducted at oil manufacturing facilities.
How will the public response to the July 25 protest influence future food safety oversight in Taiwan?
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