Premier Jiang Yi-huah has apologized to the public for the recent food safety scandal.
The premier was at the legislature Friday to deliver a policy report. He was temporarily blocked from delivering his report as opposition lawmakers staged a protest, demanding that he apologize over the latest scandal.
Early this month, an investigation discovered that a phony waste processing company had been used as a front for collecting used cooking oil. The oil was meant to be recycled and used for purposes other than human consumption. But it was sold to food companies and restaurants for reuse in cooking food. So far, over 1,000 businesses have been affected.
While speaking with the media outside the legislative chamber, the premier said he is sorry his report was temporarily blocked. He also said the government is committed to protecting public health.
“Here on behalf of the government, I would like to express my deepest apology to the public. I hope that the impact of such a major food safety incident will shock central and local governments and related agencies into action," said the premier. "They have to show the greatest determination to uphold food safety, at whatever cost and however much time it takes.”
The premier said he is demanding severe punishment for companies found responsible for the latest food safety scandal. He also said the Cabinet has established a task force to tackle the issue of recycled oil.