Chiayi promotes award-winning eateries with Japan trip draw

Chiayi City is turning its food-safety awards into a tourism promotion, inviting residents and visitors to eat at recognized businesses and enter a prize draw for a two-person trip to Japan.

The campaign, called “Taste the Three Golds in Chiayi, Lucky Draw from Food-Safe Shops,” runs through October 31. Customers who spend at least NT$1,000 at businesses holding the city’s Gold Quality, Gold Bakery or Gold Shake awards can register with their receipt for one draw entry.

This year, the city completed hygiene evaluations for 156 food and beverage businesses. Of those, 141 passed, including 41 rated excellent and 35 rated good. Another 65 businesses received the Gold Quality award for being rated excellent for two consecutive evaluations. A further 29 beverage businesses passed inspections and product testing for the Gold Shake award.

The city also evaluated businesses for older customers, with 17 receiving recognition as age-friendly, food-safe establishments. The awards remain valid for two years, but the health bureau said it can revoke them if a business causes food poisoning or commits a serious violation.

Mayor Huang Min-hui said the city wants tourists and residents to enjoy local food with confidence as visitor numbers grow. The health bureau worked with National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism and assembled food experts, academics and inspectors for the evaluations.

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We want tourists and residents to enjoy delicious food and eat with peace of mind.