Public Finds Insect Leg in Ice Cream, Vendor Apologizes, Taipei City Inspection Orders Improvement

Taipei, April 18 (CNA) A member of the public posted on social media that they found an insect leg while redeeming a birthday gift at a well-known chain ice cream store in Taipei's Zhongshan District. The vendor apologized, stating that preliminary investigations revealed an operational management oversight at the site. The Department of Health inspected the store, found deficiencies such as the absence of handwashing signs after using the restroom and the inability to provide staff health check and training records, and ordered improvements within a specified period. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million under the 'Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act.'

The customer posted on a social media platform that on April 17, they went to the '31 Ice Cream' store at Eslite Spectrum Nanxi in Taipei to redeem a birthday gift and ordered an additional scoop, only to find a 'large insect leg' in the ice cream. They immediately reported it to the staff, who offered to re-scoop, but the customer refused and demanded a refund.

The vendor issued an apology statement on Facebook last night, stating that food safety is the foundation of their brand, and they immediately launched an internal investigation and took immediate corrective actions.

The vendor pointed out that all their ice cream is produced in Japanese factories with strict quality control during manufacturing. Preliminary investigations determined that the incident was due to an operational management oversight at the site. Regarding the flavor reported by the customer and the affected ice cream tub, the store immediately removed it from sale and disposed of it.

The vendor stated that at the time of the incident, the store immediately processed a full refund for the customer and completed the POS system void procedure. For the 'birthday voucher' mentioned by the customer, the system will automatically return it after the refund is processed. When the company contacts the customer, they will also confirm whether the voucher has been successfully returned to the member's account and will provide additional compensatory apologies to ensure consumer rights are not compromised.

The vendor noted that they have proactively contacted a professional third-party disinfection company and are actively coordinating the earliest possible time for a thorough, carpet-style deep disinfection of the entire store. They insist on strictly monitoring all aspects of the store until environmental hygiene meets the brand's highest standards.

To prevent such incidents from happening again, the vendor stated that the headquarters has ordered all stores nationwide to immediately implement a 'Clean Inspection Project,' requiring all employees to conduct visual inspections at four key stages: 'opening, organizing ice, scooping ice, and replenishing ice,' to ensure that products are 100% free of foreign objects before being served to customers.

The vendor emphasized their commitment to providing customers with a joyful and safe consumption experience. This incident serves as a significant warning to the company, and they humbly accept all criticism and advice, committing to responsible rectification and adjustments to regain public trust. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150418

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