Kaohsiung BBQ restaurant ordered closed over suspected food poisoning

Kaohsiung, April 16 (CNA) A Japanese BBQ chain restaurant in Kaohsiung has been ordered to suspend operations after four people reported symptoms of suspected food poisoning, the city's health authorities said Wednesday.

The Kaohsiung Department of Health said it received reports from two hospitals between Monday and Tuesday, each involving two individuals who experienced gastrointestinal symptoms after dining at the Tan Zuo Ma Li Catering Series outlet at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts.

A netizen had earlier posted that eight adults in their group fell ill with similar symptoms between Sunday and Monday and were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis.

Other diners also reported on social media that they and their family members suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever after eating at the same location.

Later on Wednesday, Tan Zuo Ma Li Catering Series issued a statement in which it said food safety has always been its "top priority."

According to the city government, Initial inspections revealed numerous hygiene violations, including mold and dirt near the dishwashing area, insufficient refrigeration, uncovered cooked food, moldy storage containers, and unlabeled condiments.

Inspectors also found customer drinks stored in the restaurant's refrigerators and excessive dust near freezer compressors, indicating poor food safety management, authorities said.

Health officials have collected samples from eight suspected food items and the restaurant environment, including salads, sushi, sashimi, ice, and rinsing water, along with 11 specimens from affected individuals and kitchen staff.

Although the restaurant has contracted a licensed pest control company for regular disinfection, the Department of Health emphasized the importance of preventive food safety measures and ordered all issues to be corrected by Wednesday.

The restaurant can only resume operations after passing a follow-up inspection, it said. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,845) to NT$200 million.