KAOHSIUNG – A suspected case of mass food poisoning in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has left 140 people hospitalised, with 12 testing positive for salmonella. Authorities have traced the outbreak to a spring roll stall at Zhengyi Market in Lingya district.
Police first received reports on Monday morning of multiple cases linked to the same source. Following an investigation, the Kaohsiung City Health Department identified the vendor believed to be responsible.
However, the stall operator allegedly attempted to evade authorities, leading to a substantial fine and a direct order for questioning.
The stall in question has now been ordered to suspend sales as their products has been posed as a threat to public health after preliminary investigation.
On Tuesday morning, 31 people remained hospitalised, including 18 still under observation, while 91 others had been treated and discharged.
Photo: Kaohsiung City Health Department
The vendor failed to fully cooperate with the investigation, withholding key information and providing incomplete details about the ingredients used in the spring rolls. Notably, eggs and shredded meat were not disclosed as part of the product.
For evading the investigation, the vendor faces fines of up to NT$360,000 (about US$11,200). Combined with additional penalties and damages, the total amount has risen to NT$1.44 million (around US$45,000).
