TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of people affected by suspected food poisoning after dining at a buffet in a Taipei mall has risen to 77, with nine testing positive for norovirus.
Centers for Disease Control Spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said Tuesday that 77 customers dined at the buffet restaurant Inparadise in the Breeze Xinyi Mall between Jan. 5-7. They subsequently experienced discomfort between Jan. 5-9, per CNA.
Of these cases, 78% reported vomiting, 77% experienced diarrhea, 68% felt nauseous, 28% had a fever, and 14% described abdominal bloating or discomfort. The initial medical diagnosis for all affected individuals was gastroenteritis, and no hospitalizations were reported.
Tseng said approximately 70 individuals were tested, with nine cases preliminarily testing positive for norovirus. The test results for the employees have not yet been released.
Tseng said further investigation would show if the incident was from contaminated food or exposure to droplets from infected persons. Some people felt unwell but did not seek medical treatment, explaining the discrepancy in the numbers of those who reported to the Taipei City Department of Health seeking medical treatment.
The transmission routes of norovirus include consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes. Since only a minimal amount of the virus is needed for transmission, close contact with infected individuals or inhaling droplets from vomit or excreta can also lead to infection.
To prevent norovirus, the CDC advises paying close attention to personal hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap or hand sanitizer before preparing meals or eating, and after using the toilet or caring for patients.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly and raw foods should be avoided, especially shellfish and aquatic products, which should be thoroughly cooked before eating. When sharing meals, it is recommended to use serving utensils such as separate chopsticks and spoons.
Taipei health department said on Jan. 7 that it had received hospital reports of nine people who experienced vomiting and diarrhea after eating at the Inparadise Xinyi branch on Jan. 5 and 6.
On Jan. 7, the restaurant was ordered to suspend operations, and an investigation was launched. However, Lin Kuan-chen (林冠蓁), head of the department's Food and Drug Division, said inspectors found the restaurant was still operating when they arrived that evening.
Therefore, Lin said the department would issue a formal administrative penalty notice. The restaurant will be fined a maximum of NT$3 million (US$91,000) under Article 47, Clause 13 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act (食品安全衛生管理法).
No new cases have been reported for over 24 hours, and the restaurant has implemented corrective measures. Therefore, the health department announced on Sunday it approved the restaurant's resumption of operations.
