Taiwan food poisoning outbreak: 140 ill, 31 hospitalized

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A mass food poisoning outbreak at a well-known spring roll shop in Kaohsiung's Lingya District (苓雅區) has sickened at least 140 people, with 31 remaining hospitalized as of Monday (April 6), the Kaohsiung City Department of Health (高雄市衛生局) said. Preliminary tests showed 12 patients tested positive for Salmonella.

The shop, which has operated for more than 40 years, sold spring rolls on Saturday that sickened customers within hours. One customer said six family members developed symptoms after eating the product, while the customer experienced diarrhea more than 10 times within four hours.

Health Department data showed that among the 140 people who sought medical attention, 10 were waiting for beds in the emergency department, eight were under observation, and 91 had returned home. All hospitalized patients were in stable condition. The department said it is still investigating whether the ingredients were linked to the outbreak.

Authorities fined the business NT$1.44 million (US$45,042) and ordered it to suspend operations for seven days. The department said the operator had concealed information and obstructed the investigation, affecting the completeness of the epidemiological probe. The case has been referred to prosecutors to determine whether criminal liability is involved.

During the investigation, health authorities found that the spring rolls contained shredded meat and eggs, despite the operator initially denying their use. Spring rolls, commonly eaten during the Qingming Festival (清明節), Taiwan's tomb-sweeping holiday, contain a variety of ingredients. Any lapse in storage, handling or preparation may pose food safety risks, especially during periods of increased demand. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.97)