A popular sesame oil chicken restaurant chain in Taiwan, Chuang Chia Pan, has been hit by a suspected coordinated food tampering attack involving multiple outlets.
According to local reports, three men were arrested for allegedly dumping unidentified powder from plastic bags into pots of sesame oil chicken stew while restaurant staff were distracted. Police believe the suspects targeted several branches each, with each man responsible for attacks at three to four outlets.
In total, 10 restaurants across six districts were affected. The suspects, aged 21, 22 and 25, were identified and arrested after police reviewed closed-circuit television footage from the eateries.
Authorities said no customers were harmed by the incidents. However, police are still working to identify the chemical composition of the powder, describing the acts as a potential threat to public safety.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attacks. Police are also reportedly looking into a person connected to the restaurant chain who is said to have gambling debts, as part of broader inquiries into the case.
