Taichung Cold Stone shop ordered closed after 4 mistakenly drink bleach

Taichung, July 29 (CNA) A Cold Stone Creamery Taiwan shop in Taichung has been ordered to suspend operations after four individuals mistakenly drank bleach on Monday.

Two of the four individuals -- a male customer in his 40s and a female employee in her 20s -- received medical treatment and were discharged the same day, the Taichung Office of Food and Drug Safety said in a statement on Tuesday.

The office said it is still checking the condition of the other two.

The shop allegedly violated the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, under which those responsible could face prison terms of one to seven years and fines of up to NT$10 million (US$333,667), it added.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the company attributed the incident to "staff mishandling at a single outlet," saying that it has contacted those affected and offered follow-up support.

Meanwhile, the Taichung Legal Affairs Bureau said it has received a complaint related to the incident and will assist the victims in seeking compensation.

The case has been reported to prosecutors.