A suspected mass food poisoning incident occurred at a franchise restaurant in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, prompting health authorities to launch an investigation.
Giheung District Public Health Center said on May 14 that, based on a survey of 900 people who visited the restaurant over the weekend on the 9th and 10th, the number of people who showed suspected food poisoning symptoms such as stomach upset after eating had surpassed 320.
The health center received a report on the 11th that said "I showed suspected food poisoning symptoms such as stomach upset after eating," and conducted a survey.
An official at the health center said, "We collected samples from remaining ingredients at the restaurant and from those who showed food poisoning symptoms and asked the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment to conduct tests," adding, "Reports of symptoms are continuing to increase."
Giheung District Office plans to impose administrative measures once the epidemiological investigation results come out.
The restaurant is known to have suspended operations on the 10th. In an apology, the restaurant manager said, "We apologize to customers and their families who showed suspected food poisoning symptoms," and added, "Along with the closure of the establishment, we will fully accept responsibility and faithfully comply as soon as the epidemiological investigation results are released."