TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Officials from the Taipei City Department of Health (台北市衛生局) conducted a thorough inspection of Lin's Wagashi Confectionery (滋養), a popular dessert shop in Datong District, on Thursday (March 20). The inspection was prompted by a customer complaint about moldy strawberry daifuku, a Japanese-style rice cake filled with sweet bean paste and fruit. While investigators did not discover any substandard ingredients during their visit, they identified several concerning sanitation violations, including a freezer that had not been properly defrosted and ingredients stored without proper separation. Health officials have mandated that the establishment rectify these issues by Sunday.
The confectionery faces potential penalties ranging from NT$60,000 (approximately US$1,818) to NT$200 million (approximately US$6.06 million) under the "Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation" (食品安全衛生管理法) if it fails to address the violations by the deadline. The investigation began after a customer shared photographs of moldy daifuku on social media Tuesday, generating public concern about food safety practices at the establishment. In their post, the customer expressed disappointment but acknowledged this appeared to be an unusual occurrence rather than a systematic problem, adding that store management had promptly contacted them with an apology.
Representatives from Lin's Wagashi Confectionery explained that quality control becomes particularly challenging during the final weeks of strawberry season, when fruit consistency and freshness can vary significantly. Industry experts in Japanese-style confections suggest that strawberry daifuku should ideally be consumed within three hours when kept at room temperature to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Acknowledging the additional complications posed by Taiwan's fluctuating March weather patterns and the seasonal transition, Lin's Wagashi has updated its customer recommendations, now advising that their strawberry products be consumed within two days when properly refrigerated.
