TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After two deaths resulting from bongkrek acid poisoning in Taipei, two men at the eatery concerned were arrested and charged with negligent death by prosecutors on Friday (March 29).
There were reports of at least 21 people falling ill, including two deaths, after eating dishes at the Malaysian vegetarian restaurant Polam Kopitiam in the Far Eastern Sogo department store between March 19-25. Chefs and managers of the store have been questioned by police.
Around 2 p.m. on Friday, two managers, men surnamed Li (黎) and Wang (王), were transferred to the Xinyi branch of the Taipei Prosecutor’s Office and charged with negligent homicide, reported LTN.
In addition to the managers, a Vietnamese chef surnamed Ho (胡), plus a chef who was out of the country when customers were poisoned, were interrogated by the authorities. They reportedly explained their food preparation methods, and said the managers were responsible for ordering and storing the ingredients.
Ho, who was covering for the chef surnamed Chou (周) when the poisonings occurred, is reportedly listed as a defendant in the case. He is not permitted to leave Taiwan.
After an initial autopsy of the two deaths, it was confirmed on Thursday (March 28) that bongkrek acid poisoning was the cause of death. Just 1 milligram of the substance can be fatal, and even smaller amounts can severely damage the liver, kidneys, and intestinal tract.
Taiwan’s Institute of Forensic Medicine is investigating and a complete toxicology report is expected to be sent to the prosecutor’s office by mid-April. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will conduct a thorough analysis of the restaurant’s food materials and equipment.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) spoke to the press on Friday and said he instructed the city’s health bureau to discuss the matter with all Taipei hospitals to ensure standard treatment practices are in place for future diagnoses, per UDN.
As of Friday,14 people in Taipei had been diagnosed with bongkrek poisoning, and four were in intensive care, reported CNA. Three others have sought treatment in New Taipei and two others in Tainan.
