Premier Cho Jung-tai has requested the Ministry of Health and Welfare to
amend the Food Safety Act to strengthen source and process management at food
producers.

This comes amid a food safety scandal surrounding Central Union Oil Corp. ...
resulting in tainted edible oils entering the food supply.

The amended act will require businesses to report any abnormal test results
within a statutory deadline, with penalties for late submissions and heavier
punishments for malicious concealment or deception.

Yesterday, Cho lambasted Central Union for hiding the truth and delaying
reporting that hindered government agencies' ability to prevent the spread of
contaminated products.

The KMT has laid the blame squarely on the government for failing to manage
the crisis effectively and strengthen food-safety protections. It's planning
a rally for next Saturday.

The premier said the Executive Yuan will meet this coming Thursday to pass
proposed amendments to the Food Safety Act.