TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hsinchu County health authorities are investigating a potential food poisoning outbreak linked to the consumption of French bread, leading to 35 seeking medical treatment, five of whom were hospitalized as of Tuesday (Aug. 27).
The Public Health Bureau of Hsinchu County Government (HCSHB) received notifications from the China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital (CMU-HCH) and Ton Yen General Hospital starting Saturday (Aug. 24). Patients complained of stomach discomfort, vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, and fever, per CNA.
Preliminary investigations point to French bread purchased from a stall in a Zhubei market as the possible source of the illness. Health officials have inspected the stall and found hygiene violations, including pest presence, improper storage, and lack of labeling.
Samples of food items and patient samples have been sent for testing, with results expected within two weeks. The stall has been temporarily closed.
The affected individuals sought treatment at various hospitals, including 12 at CMU-HCH and 14 at Ton Yen General Hospital. Others included two at the Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, four at the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) Hsinchu Branch, and three who sought medical attention independently.
HCSHB Director General Yin Tung-cheng (殷東成) said the inspection of the stall revealed six hygiene violations. The operator has been ordered to rectify these issues within a specified timeframe.
Failure to comply with the corrective measures could result in a fine of NT$60,000 (US$1880) to NT$200 million under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.
