"Lunchboxes Should Be Consumed Within Two Hours of Purchase During Summer"

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Warns of Food Poisoning Risks
as Temperatures and Humidity Rise

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming lunchboxes, noting that as temperatures and humidity rise and outdoor activities increase, cases of food poisoning caused by lunchboxes are also on the rise.

According to the Ministry on June 20, the number of reported lunchbox-related food poisoning cases so far this year has reached a provisional total of 12 cases (332 people), which is close to last year’s total of 15 cases (616 people).

The Ministry stated that when lunchboxes are purchased in large quantities and left at room temperature, food poisoning bacteria can multiply rapidly. Therefore, it is advisable to consume lunchboxes within two hours of purchase whenever possible, and to immediately discard any leftovers.

Bacterial food poisoning organisms proliferate most actively at temperatures between 32 and 43 degrees Celsius. Before eating a lunchbox, consumers should check that the container or packaging is not contaminated or damaged. If immediate consumption after purchase is not possible, lunchboxes should be stored refrigerated at 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.

In addition, when purchasing or consuming lunchboxes in large quantities, it is recommended to use products from food manufacturing or processing businesses (such as lunchbox specialty manufacturers) that have obtained HACCP certification, and to place orders with multiple restaurants rather than just one.