TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei restaurant where a reported 25 people have been poisoned and two died did not have the legally required insurance cover, per Rti.
The media outlet reported the Taipei City Government Department of Health had determined the company did not have liability insurance, as required. It was found to have broken sanitation laws and will be fined NT$2.5 million (US$78,300).
It was previously reported that two men at the eatery were arrested and charged for negligent death. A further poisoning case was announced Saturday at the Malaysian vegetarian restaurant Polam Kopitiam, in the Far Eastern Sogo department store, according to CNA.
As a result of the poisonings, five people are said to be in intensive care, one is in a general ward, and 17 people have returned home to recuperate. A CDC spokesperson was quoted as saying there have been no cases not connected with Polam Kopitiam so far.
Bongkrek acid has been identified as the likely source of the poisonings. It is said to be a toxin derived from contamination of a bacterium, is typically found in coconut and corn, and affects the kidneys and liver causing drowsiness, stomach pain, and vomiting.