More people reported suspected food poisoning symptoms after dining in a Japanese BBQ chain restaurant in Kaohsiung which has been ordered to suspend operations for seven days, the city's health authorities said today.
As of 9am today, 22 people have reported gastrointestinal symptoms, including fever, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, after dining at the Tan Zuo Ma Li (碳佐麻里) Catering Series outlet at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts between Saturday and Monday, the Kaohsiung Department of Health said.
No one has to be hospitalized, it said.
Photo: Hsu Li-Chuan, Taipei Times
The restaurant has been ordered to suspend operations until Monday next week, though it must pass a health inspection first before reopening.
A netizen had earlier posted that eight adults in their group fell ill with similar symptoms between Sunday and Monday and were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis.
Other diners also reported on social media that they and their family members experienced vomiting, diarrhea and fever after eating at the same location.
Later yesterday, Tan Zuo Ma Li Catering Series issued a statement in which it said food safety has always been its "top priority."
According to the city government, initial inspections revealed numerous hygiene violations including mold and dirt near the dishwashing area, insufficient refrigeration, uncovered cooked food, moldy storage containers and unlabeled condiments.
Inspectors also found customer drinks stored in the restaurant's refrigerators and excessive dust near freezer compressors, indicating poor food safety management, authorities said.
Health officials have collected samples from eight food items and the restaurant environment, including salads, sushi, sashimi, ice and rinsing water, along with 11 specimens from affected individuals and kitchen staff.
Although the restaurant has contracted a licensed pest control company for regular disinfection, the Department of Health emphasized the importance of preventive food safety measures and ordered all issues to be corrected by next Wednesday.
The restaurant can only resume operations after passing a follow-up inspection, it said. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,845) to NT$200 million.
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