Kaohsiung BBQ Restaurant Shut Down Following Suspected Food Poisoning Outbreak

Hygiene Violations Lead to Closure of Popular Japanese BBQ Chain in Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan - A Japanese BBQ chain restaurant in Kaohsiung has been ordered to halt operations after several diners reported symptoms of suspected food poisoning, according to city health authorities. The incident, which occurred at the Tan Zuo Ma Li Catering Series outlet near the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, has prompted a thorough investigation into the restaurant's food safety practices.

The Kaohsiung Department of Health confirmed that it received reports from two hospitals regarding individuals experiencing gastrointestinal distress after eating at the establishment. Further reports emerged on social media, with some individuals detailing their experiences of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever following their meals at the restaurant.

Initial inspections by health officials revealed several hygiene violations. These included instances of mold and dirt in the dishwashing area, inadequate refrigeration, uncovered cooked food, moldy storage containers, and unlabeled condiments. The inspectors also noted customer drinks being stored in the refrigerators alongside food items and excessive dust accumulation near freezer compressors, indicating a significant lack of proper food safety management.

In response, Tan Zuo Ma Li Catering Series released a statement asserting that food safety is their "top priority." However, the Department of Health has taken decisive action, collecting samples from eight suspected food items and the restaurant environment, including salads, sushi, sashimi, ice, and rinsing water. Additionally, 11 specimens from affected individuals and kitchen staff have been collected for analysis.

Despite the restaurant's claims of regular pest control services, the Department of Health stressed the importance of rigorous preventive food safety measures. The restaurant is now required to rectify all identified issues and will only be permitted to reopen after successfully passing a follow-up inspection. Failure to comply with the health department’s orders could result in substantial fines, ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,845) to NT$200 million.