NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Over 250 students and more than 10 teachers from Yuteh Private International School (新北市私立裕德國際學校) in New Taipei City fell ill in a suspected food poisoning incident following a field trip on Tuesday (May 7).
The group had visited the Xinshe District Farmers' Association (台中新社農會) in Taichung and consumed pre-ordered lunch boxes, which led to symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
By the evening of Wednesday (May 8), 113 individuals reported feeling unwell, with 13 seeking medical attention. While 11 have since recovered and returned home, two remain under observation. Following the incident, Taichung's Office of Food and Drug Safety (台中市政府食安處) conducted an inspection and identified several hygiene violations at the food provider's premises, prompting an immediate halt to its operations and a thorough disinfection.
The Office of Food and Drug Safety has collected samples for testing, with initial results expected within two weeks. If pathogenic bacteria are detected, the food provider could face fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million. Moreover, if the same pathogens are found in both human and food samples, legal action will be pursued.
This incident has raised concerns about food safety standards and the importance of rigorous checks, especially when catering to large groups. The community now awaits the test results, hoping for a swift resolution and measures to prevent future occurrences.