Kaohsiung Responds to Chiang Wan-an: Factory Inspections and Product Testing Are Local Governments' Responsibility

By Central News Agency reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Kaohsiung, July 17

The Chung Lien Oils case continues to escalate. During a city council plenary session, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an repeatedly questioned, "Has the Kaohsiung City Government or the central government conducted inspections?" In response, the Kaohsiung City Government stated that conducting factory inspections and implementing sampling tests is the responsibility of local governments.

Chiang Wan-an today urged citizens to take to the streets to protest the central government's dereliction of duty. In the afternoon, he led Taipei City officials to deliver a policy report at the city council. During questioning, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilor Yen Jo-fang pointed out that regarding benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) testing, the central government had conducted at least 55 tests on Taipei-based businesses. Other cities, such as New Taipei and Taoyuan, have also carried out BaP sampling or special inspections, but Taipei City has not. She urged Chiang to reflect on his own administration before criticizing others.

Chiang responded by asking, "Has the Kaohsiung City Government or the central government conducted testing?" Yen accused Chiang of answering a different question than asked, to which Chiang retorted, "You're the one answering a different question—that's why people are taking to the streets." He repeatedly questioned whether Kaohsiung had conducted any testing and claimed there are no food factories in Taipei City. This follows yesterday's verbal clash with DPP Taipei councilor Chien Shu-pei, marking another heated exchange with opposition party members today.

In response, the Kaohsiung City Government reiterated that factory inspections and rigorous sampling are the direct responsibility of local governments. Using Nan Chiao as an example in this incident—its headquarters are in Taipei, its factory is in Taoyuan, and its brand and supply chain affect the entire nation—coordination between the central government and relevant municipalities is essential for investigation.

The city government stated that since the Taisugar oil plant is located within Kaohsiung's jurisdiction, inspections and sampling fall directly under local responsibility. Records show that from 2022 to 2026 (Minguo years 111–115), the Kaohsiung City Government conducted six factory inspections and 18 legally mandated sampling tests at the Taisugar oil plant.

Local governments face different food safety challenges, and Kaohsiung's food safety governance extends beyond a single meeting format. Depending on the nature and risk level of incidents, the city holds expert consultations, special task force meetings for major events, and cross-departmental execution meetings. Mayor Chen Chi-mai has personally chaired multiple expert and special meetings, with implementation led by the vice mayor, deputy secretary-general, and relevant departments.

The city emphasized that in response to this tainted oil incident, Mayor Chen immediately instructed the activation of the food safety task force on July 2 and convened special meetings on July 7 and 9. These meetings decided to expand investigations and implement preventive product recalls across all batches under the strictest standards. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) July 17, 2026

Stand with the facts. Your support safeguards press freedom.

Download the CNA "Breaking News" app to stay updated with the latest developments.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.