More than 50,000 contaminated oysters were consumed! 62 people poisoned in Paradise

The suspected food poisoning case at the well-known restaurant chain "Food Paradise" has snowballed. The Taipei City Health Bureau announced the latest number of victims today, the 11th, which has reached 62 people. Preliminary investigations show that oysters imported from South Korea are suspected to be contaminated. Currently, it has cooperated with the Taoyuan County Health Bureau to seal 7,879 oyster products, but more than 50,000 contaminated oysters may have been consumed.

The Taipei City Health Bureau stated that since May 25 this year, it has received reports of people suffering from suspected food poisoning symptoms after consuming sashimi and oysters provided by the "Food Paradise" Jingzhan store, Mingyao store, Neihu store, and Xinyi store. To date, a total of 62 people have been officially reported, 54 of whom have sought medical treatment. The consumption time was concentrated between May 22 and June 7.

Preliminary investigations have shown that the contamination was caused by oysters imported from South Korea. The Taipei City Health Bureau found that the four branches purchased a total of 61,200 oysters, 7,879 of which had been sealed. 36 related food and environmental samples were collected for testing for norovirus and food poisoning bacteria. The Health Bureau stated that if the test results detect pathogens, a fine of more than NT$60,000 but less than NT$6 million will be imposed for violating the Food Sanitation Management Law.

After investigation, it was found that the oyster importer this time was Junlin Enterprise Co., Ltd. registered in Kaohsiung City. The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau has been asked to conduct a sealed inspection on the source importer. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health has also taken batch-by-batch inspection and control measures for oyster products imported from South Korea, and those that fail the inspection are not allowed to be imported.

"Food Paradise" also made an urgent announcement on its official website, stating that due to the recent unstable quality of oysters, in order to protect the health of consumers and provide safe meals, it will stop supplying oysters from the 8th.