Taiwan’s FDA investigates deadly food poisoning case

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A suspected mass food poisoning incident at a vegetarian restaurant in Taipei's Xinyi District has left one person dead and eight others ill, according to Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday (March 27).

Wu Shou-mei, Director-General of the FDA, remarked that three of the victims in intensive care units are in serious condition.

The incident occurred at Polam Kopitiam, a restaurant located in the Far Eastern Department Store's Xinyi A13 branch.

As of Tuesday night, hospitals had reported six cases of food poisoning, including one fatality. Three additional people reported feeling unwell after dining at the restaurant, bringing the total number of cases to nine.

Wu noted that preliminary findings suggest the deceased victim may have suffered from acidosis, a condition caused by excessive acidity in the body. However, other physiological changes leading to acidosis could also be a factor. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

The FDA, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Taipei City's Department of Health, and toxicology experts have launched an investigation into the incident. They are testing food samples from the restaurant, including cabbage, bean sprouts, rice noodles, mushrooms, pandan leaves, and soy sauce.

Wu urged anyone who has eaten at Polam Kopitiam recently and is experiencing symptoms of poisoning to seek medical attention immediately and retain any leftover food for testing to aid in diagnosis and treatment.