TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two restaurants owned by Wang Steak restaurant group in Taipei’s Ximen neighborhood were forced to temporarily cease operations after several customers reported food poisoning over the Tomb Sweeping holiday weekend.
By Saturday (April 6), seven people sought medical attention for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain after eating at the two restaurants, which are located in the same building. By Sunday (April 7) morning, officials with the Taipei Department of Health said the number of known cases had increased to 22, reported UDN.
The Korean restaurant Chuwa (初瓦), and the hot pot restaurant Xiangla (嚮辣), both owned by Wang Steak group, were ordered to close on Saturday (April 6) for investigation. There is speculation that the building’s waterlines may have been contaminated with gas or other harmful materials, per reports.
After the seven initial cases were reported by a local hospital, an immediate inspection was carried out and found that the kitchens did not meet city standards for cleanliness. Food ingredients were also found without proper labeling to ensure freshness.
The Health Department gave the restaurants until Monday (April 8) to bring the kitchens into compliance with health safety standards. If the restaurants fail inspection, they may face fines between NT$60,000 (US$1,900) and NT$20,000,000 (US$622,000), per CNA.
Sunday afternoon, Wang Steak group released a message that there were problems found with the water quality in the building, per UDN.
The pipes were drained and rinsed to ensure the safety of the building’s water supply. Samples from the building’s water tower were also taken and sent for analysis.
The company said it is prepared to follow all recommendations from the Taipei Department of Health to ensure the safety of its patrons.