TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of people who have sought medical treatment for suspected food poisoning after dining at a buffet in a Taipei mall has risen to 39.
The incident occurred at the buffet restaurant Inparadise in the Breeze Xinyi mall. Taipei City Department of Health said on Thursday it received hospital reports of people who experienced vomiting and diarrhea after eating at the restaurant on Sunday and Monday, per Liberty Times.
The health department said Wednesday due to concerns the suspected food poisoning situation may expand, it rejected the Inparadise Xinyi branch's application to resume operations. The health department also began a broader inspection of restaurants under the Feastogether Corporation, uncovering multiple sanitation infractions.
The health department said patrons who experienced discomfort after dining at the same restaurant and during the same period should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Those wishing to file a complaint can visit the Consumer Protection Committee's website. They can also download the Consumer Dispute Registration Form, complete it, and fax or mail it to the Consumer Protection Committee.
On Wednesday, the health department expanded its inspection to five Feastogether Corporation buffet restaurants. The Sunrise Xinyi branch was found to have unsanitary walls in the cold food area, unclean equipment in the hot food area, and a dirty area behind the ice machine.
The Eatogether Q Square branch was found to have dirty frost buildup on the inside and sides of the refrigerator and a dirty filter under the sashimi. The Eatogether Xinyi branch had an uncleaned fan in the storage room, among other sanitation violations.
The health department has required that these issues be corrected by Saturday.
The Sunrise Tianmu branch and A Joy 101 branch did not have any violations.
The health department's inspection items include checking the food business registration, product liability insurance, technical licenses, and whether the kitchen and dining environment comply with the Regulations on Good Hygiene Practice for Food.
