TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Consumers' Foundation, Chinese Taipei (消費者文教基金會) announced Monday (Sept. 23) that 32 people have joined a class-action lawsuit against Polam Kopitiam (寶林茶室) following a severe food poisoning incident that resulted in six deaths. The incident occurred in late March in Taipei's Xinyi District.
Consumers' Foundation Chairperson Wu Jung-ta (吳榮達) told to the Central News Agency (中央社) that the participants, including 18 family members of the deceased, have submitted the necessary documents.
The foundation held a press conference on June 17 to announce the lawsuit, marking its first food safety class action involving fatalities.
Su Chin-hsia (蘇錦霞), honorary chairperson of the foundation and convener of the legal team, stated they are compiling medical records and other documents, adding that the spouse, parents, and children of the deceased may claim expenses for emotional distress and family support.
Su added that the lawsuit would be filed soon but not likely within this month. The foundation estimates the compensation claims could exceed NT$100 million.
Observers will closely watch how this case unfolds, given its potential impact on food safety regulations and corporate accountability in Taiwan.