Taipei:Four individuals associated with the Polam Kopitiam restaurant chain have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 22 months for negligent homicide related to a 2024 food poisoning incident that resulted in six deaths, as announced by the Taipei District Court.

According to Focus Taiwan, the court also acquitted the manager of the restaurant's Xinyi branch. The owner of the restaurant, Li Fang-hsuan, received a sentence of one year and 10 months. Acting chef Hu Ching-fu, a Vietnamese national, was sentenced to eight months. Head chef Chou Jih-hao received a six-month sentence, while a Vietnamese intern surnamed Nguyen was sentenced to four months, with both sentences eligible for commutation to fines.

The court determined that the manager, Wang Shun-te, did not have sufficient evidence against him to prove he had authority or knowledge of the kitchen's food storage and handling practices, leading to his acquittal. The negligent injury charge against him was also dismissed, as the legal deadline for filing a complaint had expired.

The case originated from a food poisoning outbreak at the restaurant's Far Eastern Department Store Xinyi A13 branch in March 2024. The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that 33 diners tested positive for bongkrekic acid after consuming flat rice noodle dishes, resulting in six fatalities and 27 injuries. The outbreak was traced to bongkrekic acid, a toxin from the bacterium Burkholderia gladioli.

The court criticized Li for failing to implement a food safety management system and not appointing a supervisor after the operations manager left Taiwan. Hu was found to have the most direct responsibility, continuing unsafe storage practices. Although Chou had left before the incident, his prior instructions contributed to the unsafe conditions. The intern was seen as less responsible due to his limited role.

Despite the defendants not admitting wrongdoing, the court denied requests for reduced sentences. Compensation to victims and families came from insurance rather than the defendants' assets. Prosecutors had sought terms over four years for Li and Hu, and they will consider appealing the sentences.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an criticized the sentences as too lenient and advocated for stricter penalties under food safety laws, stating the city will support legal actions for victims' families and survivors.