DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Taiwanese Sukiya branch fined for dirty water cups

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • A customer discovered thick layers of tea stains inside a water cup at a Sukiya restaurant branch in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
  • Health authorities inspected the restaurant and found residual tea stains, leading to a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$3 million.
  • The restaurant was also ordered to improve hygiene in other areas, including the preparation zone and condiment stations, with further penalties for non-compliance.

A customer's dining experience at a Sukiya branch in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, turned sour after discovering a water cup coated in thick, coffee-colored tea stains. The customer expressed disgust, questioning how long the cup had gone unwashed.

Responding to the complaint, the Kaohsiung City Health Bureau conducted an inspection. During the check, officials wiped the inside of a water cup with a paper towel, confirming the presence of residual tea stains. The bureau announced it would issue a fine ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$3 million, citing violations of the "Kaohsiung City Public Food and Beverage Place Hygiene Management Regulations" and the "Food Safety and Sanitation Act."

In addition to the cup issue, health officials identified other hygiene deficiencies within the restaurant. These included a slippery work area, unclean condiment stations, and unhygienic chopstick rests. The establishment was given a deadline to rectify these problems. Failure to improve by the follow-up inspection could result in fines starting from NT$60,000, as per the "Food Safety and Sanitation Act."

Is it months since it was washed?

— CustomerThe customer's reaction upon discovering the tea stains in the water cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog