TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Emperor, a high-end Japanese barbecue restaurant in Taichung’s Xitun District, has been fined for using expired Wagyu beef and other ingredients.
Taichung Health Bureau Director Tseng Tzu-chan (曾梓展) said on Tuesday (April 16) that the restaurant had been suspended, and a fine of NT$1.44 million (US$44,000) has been initially issued, with further fines to follow, reported CNA.
The restaurant, allegedly operated by a Japanese chef, was reported for using expired ingredients on Friday (April 12). Taichung City Government’s Office of Food and Drug Safety discovered expired food items such as Wagyu beef, fermented bean paste, miso, and cold noodles.
The restaurant claimed that the expired food items were used for “employee training purposes.”
Tseng said the restaurant failed to provide records on purchases, sales, and inventory. The city issued a notice demanding that it provide its complete records by Wednesday (April 17).
If the restaurant fails to provide the requested information, fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million will be imposed.
Regarding the expired items, Tseng said that the fine for each item is NT$60,000, which doubles to NT$120,000 if it is deemed an intentional act by the operator. Since there are three batches of beef, the number of items has increased from 8 to 12.
A direct fine of NT$1.44 million has been imposed for the expired ingredients, and the official ruling will be issued on Tuesday.
Tseng said that regarding sales, the government will also investigate whether the restaurant sold to downstream businesses or individuals who consumed the food. Additional fines of NT$240,000 or even NT$480,000 will be imposed for each item, depending on the circumstances.
If consumers have any disputes, the city government is available to assist them in seeking compensation.
Tseng said that whistleblowers will receive 50% of the actual fine amount. Based on the current NT$1.44 million fine, whistleblowers are entitled to at least NT$720,000 as a reward.
