As the Polam Teahouse food poisoning case continues to develope, the Ministry
of Health and Welfare says it is focusing its investigation on autopsy
results.

Deputy Health Minister Wang Pi-sheng says standard samples used to test for
the presence of Bongkrekic acid were provided by Changhua Christian Hospital,
which was essential in the early detection of the fatal toxin.

But due to the limited amount of samples available, the ministry will
prioritize its use for autopsies, followed by tests for severe patients, then
tests on the rice noodles consumed by the patients.

And Wang says samples collected in the Polam kitchen will also be tested by
the Food and Drug Administration.

Wang stresses that the FDA, and several other major hospitals have all
ordered standard samples to use in tests for Bongkrekic acid, and the items
will arrive as soon as the coming Monday.

The deputy minister says this issue is unlikely to cause delays in the
investigation.

(NS)