TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Sixty-two people got sick after eating at a banquet hall in New Taipei on March 26 and 27. 

New Taipei's Department of Health on Tuesday (April 2) announced that 2,201 people ate at the Gala De Chine Xinzhuang Jingguan in Xinzhuang District, reported CNA. Sixty-two people suffered gastrointestinal discomfort and nine of them sought medical treatment, but all have since recovered. 

According to a health department investigation, after attending a Watsons spring banquet event, dozens of participants reported feeling unwell. Their symptoms were primarily diarrhea, with some experiencing vomiting, while none of those who sought medical attention required hospitalization. 

After being notified on March 31, the health department sent personnel to inspect the banquet hall's food safety and hygiene protocols. Inspectors found unclean washing areas and open garbage bins. 

It was instructed to fix the issues within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,800) to NT$200 million for violating the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation (食品安全衛生管理法). 

Due to the suspected food poisoning cases reaching the threshold for suspending operations, the venue did so voluntarily on Monday afternoon (April 1).

The health department said although there were no leftover food samples from the banquet, the menu included high-risk dishes and ingredients such as a seafood platter containing Thai shrimp, blue crabs, mussels, scallops, baby octopus, soybeans, German sausages, potatoes, sweet corn, yellow zucchini, baby corn, broccoli, and ice cubes. Samples were taken during the inspection to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.