Taiwan's biggest food safety scandal in recent years saw Po Lin Tea House’s A13 branch linked to a deadly outbreak of food poisoning.
Due to improper storage of rice noodles, the highly toxic ‘Bongkrekic Acid’ was produced, ultimately leading to the deaths of six individuals and causing severe health complications for 24 others.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office held a meeting on the 11th and decided to compensate the victims' families under the Crime Victims Protection Act.
Each household will receive NT$1.8 million, bringing the total compensation to NT$10.8 million—setting a new record for food safety compensation cases in Taiwan.
Investigations revealed that Po Lin Tea House, initially a coffee shop, later transitioned into a Malaysian vegetarian restaurant with five branches across Taiwan.
However, the A13 store became ground zero for a major food safety incident in March 2024. Taipei prosecutors, along with the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, conducted an extensive investigation, leading to the indictment of five individuals, including the restaurant’s owner, a manager, and three kitchen staff, on charges of violating food safety laws and negligent homicide.
Although another Po Lin branch near Raohe Night Market was suspected of similar poisoning cases, lab tests did not yield conclusive results.
The six deceased victims’ families applied for victim compensation through the Crime Victims Protection Association, and the Taipei District Prosecutors Office ultimately approved NT$1.8 million per household, totaling NT$10.8 million.