TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Emperor, a high-end Japanese barbecue restaurant in Taichung’s Xitun District, was found to be using expired Wagyu beef among other ingredients on Friday (April 12).
Taichung City Government’s Office of Food and Drug Safety found expired foods including Wagyu beef, bean paste, miso, and cold noodles. The restaurant violated the Food Safety Act and is subject to a fine between NT$60,000 and 200 million (US$1,850 and 6.2 million).
Emperor claims to be the top Wagyu yakiniku chain restaurant in Japan. Health officials were notified of potential food safety violations by a former employee.
The employee reportedly brought up concerns about out-of-date food to his superiors, but they downplayed his warning, per UDN. The employee left the restaurant, reporting food safety concerns to local authorities.

The restaurant's Wagyu beef was sourced from Japan, with its menu offering top-quality Wagyu such as Kobe and Hida, and the highest-rated A5 Wagyu. The quality of the ingredients and service came with a high price tag, as basic set meals started at NT$3,900 (US$120) per person.
After the Food and Drug Safety Office inspection on Friday evening (April 12), Wagyu meat products were found to have expired at the end of last year (2023). Expiration times on food products ranged from three to five months.
Following the inspection, all of the expired food products were sealed off for disposal. The owner of the restaurant faces a hefty fine.