Two Taipei restaurants have been cleared to resume operations after samples obtained from them showed no trace of norovirus, a virus found in some people who fell ill after dining at the two eateries early last month, the Taipei Department of Health announced on Monday.
Eighteen samples obtained on April 5 from Truewow (初瓦) and Xiang La Spicy Hot Pot (嚮辣和牛麻辣鍋) — which are next to each other in the Taipei MRT Ximen mall — tested negative for norovirus and bacteria that are common causes of food poisoning, the department said in a statement.
These included eight environmental samples and seven swabs collected from the hands of staff members.
Photo: Taipei Times
Three water samples tested negative for traces of norovirus, but failed to meet hygiene standards, the department said, adding that subsequent water tests passed inspections after the restaurants were told to address the issue.
Both restaurants have been closed since April 6.
After a follow-up inspection, the department allowed the two restaurants to reopen.
Wowprime Corp (王品集團), the company that runs the restaurants, had implemented measures to improve hygiene at the two branches, such as conducting its own water quality inspections and disinfecting the premises, officials said.
From April 5 to 12, 155 people who had eaten at the two restaurants sought medical attention after displaying symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, the department said in a previous statement.
Out of 28 samples collected from people who had fallen ill, six had tested positive for norovirus, it said.
As for whether the incident constituted a food poisoning outbreak, a final decision would be made following a comprehensive investigation, the department added.
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