Taoyuan Bento Shop Suspected Food Poisoning: 38 Hospitalized with Vomiting, Diarrhea; Health Bureau Orders Suspension

The Taoyuan City Department of Public Health announced that as of noon today, they have received reports from hospitals regarding 38 individuals who experienced suspected food poisoning symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, after eating meals from a bento shop in Neili. Most of the affected individuals consumed meals from the shop during lunch and dinner on April 13th. The Health Department immediately initiated a food poisoning investigation, dispatched personnel for inspection, and ordered the establishment to temporarily cease operations to prevent further risk. Inspectors conducted a comprehensive review of the food preparation process, environmental hygiene, personnel hygiene management, and food storage conditions. High-risk ingredients and environmental samples were collected for testing to identify the cause. The Health Department will continue to monitor the recovery of the hospitalized individuals. If the investigation confirms violations of the "Good Hygienic Practices for Food (GHP)," the operator will be ordered to make improvements within a specified period. Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million, in accordance with the "Food Safety and Health Management Act." If the test results confirm a food poisoning incident, the case will be transferred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office for investigation under the "Food Safety Act." The Health Department advises citizens who visited the shop on April 13th and experienced gastrointestinal discomfort to seek medical attention promptly, inform their doctors of their dietary history, and report to the Health Department. For consumer disputes, citizens can call the 1950 Consumer Service Center for assistance.