TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced Wednesday (March 27) that seven people have sought medical treatment in the recent food poisoning case, with the source of the illness and a suspected death under investigation by health officials, food safety officers, epidemiologists, and police.
The incident occurred at Polam Kopitiam's Far Eastern Department Xinyi A13 store, resulting in one death and several illnesses, affecting a total of nine people.
Chiang said that after receiving a notification from New Taipei on Sunday, Taipei City's Department of Health immediately inspected Polam Kopitiam and collected samples from the staff.
During the inspection, deficiencies were found at Polam Kopitiam, which were required to be rectified according to regulations.
On Tuesday, the health department ordered the closure of the Polam Kopitiam in Xinyi district, and all other branches in Taipei were also ordered to cease operations.
In addition to the seven confirmed patients, Chiang said there are cases reported through the 1999 hotline and media, which the health department will monitor and clarify before confirmation.
The Taipei Mayor said they had traced back to the supplier in New Taipei and reported to the New Taipei City Government, calling for cross-county cooperation and asking the health department to confirm whether the supplier has supplied to other restaurants in Taipei.
Chiang reminded the public that if they have dined at the Polam Kopitiam in the Xinyi district and have symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, they should seek medical attention immediately and report it.