TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Amid rising concerns over food safety, Chen Ming-hsin, chairman of "Taiwan's Lunchbox Industry Association", advised caterers on Friday (March 29) to temporarily replace rice noodles with udon, fried noodles, or stir-fried rice noodles-- a move aimed at alleviating parental concerns.
Chen emphasized the importance of proper management of food preservation, manufacturing processes, cold chain procedures, and storage methods, as he warned that poor preservation could pose risks.
The safety of rice noodles is currently under scrutiny, with Chen stating that they are awaiting the results of an investigation by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW).
The concerns arose after a suspected food poisoning incident at Polam Kopitiam in Taipei, which has so far resulted in 13 cases and 2 deaths. This has sparked public anxiety over the safety of rice noodles.
Based on current information about the case, the Department of Education speculated that improper preservation might have led to the production of lethal Bongkrekic acid, a byproduct of bacterial fermentation in rice.
The education department will issue a notice reminding schools to reiterate to lunch providers that all ingredients must be stored in accordance with food hygiene regulations.
Schools are also urged to conduct random checks periodically.