The Polam Kopitiam Xinyi branch, the restaurant where the recent Bongkrek acid poisoning cases originated, has failed to produce valid liability insurance coverage, in addition to providing false business information. The Taipei City Government’s Department of Health stated in a press release on Friday that the company violated the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation and will be fined NT$2.5 million (US$78,000) in accordance with the law.

Three more people are reported to have sought medical treatment in New Taipei City on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 17. Two people have died from organ failure and five people are currently hospitalized in critical condition.

In response to this major incident, the Department of Health stated that it has established Bongkrek acid testing methods and standards. A link has also been set up on the website homepage to provide the public with relevant information.

The Department of Health stated that it is continuing to track the use of high-risk ingredients such as the sauces and starch products found in the Polam Kopitiam restaurant, with sources of relevant raw materials, manufacturing processes, and production management also under investigation. In addition, department store food court inspections will be strengthened to ensure hygiene and safety.