Kaohsiung Spring Roll Suspected Food Poisoning Case: 140 Hospitalized, 12 Patients Test Positive for Salmonella

The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau issued a press release today stating that regarding the suspected food poisoning incident involving a spring roll stall in Zhengyi Market, Lingya District, a total of 140 people have sought medical attention as of 4 PM today. Among them, 31 are hospitalized, 10 are waiting for emergency beds, and 8 are under observation. Hospitals have reported that their vital signs are stable, and they are all continuing to receive treatment; another 91 people returned home to recuperate after seeking medical attention.

Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital successively reported admitting multiple cases from April 4 to April 5. Today, preliminary test results for 12 patients were all positive for Salmonella.

The Health Bureau pointed out that based on a comprehensive epidemiological investigation, including patient medical conditions, dietary history, and test results, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria, it has been determined to be food poisoning. The vendor's sales involved significant food safety risks, and the Health Bureau will impose an aggravated fine of NT$1.08 million in accordance with the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act."

In addition, to prevent further harm, the Health Bureau legally ordered the vendor to suspend business for 7 days on the 5th, and can only resume operations after passing re-inspection. The bureau is also continuing to trace the source of ingredients, manufacturing process, and supply chain to clarify the source of contamination and accountability.

Furthermore, it was found that the vendor did not fully disclose the actual ingredients of the spring rolls at the first instance, initially only providing bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, sausages, dried tofu, powdered sugar, and peanut powder. Subsequent investigation confirmed that egg products and shredded meat were also included, indicating deliberate concealment and obstruction of the investigation, which affected the completeness of the epidemiological judgment.

The Health Bureau has imposed an aggravated fine of NT$360,000 in accordance with the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act"; the Health Bureau has currently imposed a total fine of NT$1.44 million for this case and has referred it to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutor's Office. This afternoon, prosecutors from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutor's Office initiated command and investigation.

The Health Bureau urges the public to pay attention to the hygiene of vendors' operating environments, food storage, and proper production processes when purchasing ready-to-eat foods such as runbing and spring rolls, and to avoid consuming foods of unknown origin, left at room temperature for too long, or improperly stored.

If symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever, suspected of food poisoning, appear after consumption, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, and medical receipts and remaining food should be kept to facilitate subsequent epidemiological investigation and claims. If consumer disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, assistance can be sought by calling the 1950 hotline to the City Government Consumer Service Center. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150406