Steak "fails inspection" damages reputation; Grand Hotel Taipei: We strictly control ingredients

▲ Recently, the Grand Hotel Taipei was reportedly found using problem steak produced by Shu Sen Company. (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Taipei Report

Food safety issues keep erupting one after another. The "Affordable Standard Steak" produced by Shu Sen Company, which used problematic oil from Ting Hsin, appeared on the Taipei City Department of Health's partial "hit list" released on the 28th, shocking everyone as the historic Grand Hotel Taipei was listed. On the 29th, the Grand Hotel Taipei issued a statement saying that the short ribs they purchased from Shu Sen were not a regular menu item, used in very small quantities, and that they mostly used imported premium beef or domestic beef; andToday (31st), the Grand Hotel Taipei has once again issued a statement, emphasizing that "the Grand Hotel Taipei did not deceive the public," "strictly controls food safety," and has proposed a "full refund for individual items" plan, hoping to repair its affected reputation.

The full text of the Grand Hotel Taipei’s statement is as follows:

1. The Grand Hotel Taipei hereby solemnly reports to the public that it has not deceived consumers. Shu Sen Company has explained to the Taipei City Department of Health that the product purchased by the Grand Hotel was "American boneless short ribs." At the time of the incident, Shu Sen Company failed to clearly explain the situation to the public in a timely manner, which severely damaged the Grand Hotel’s reputation. The Grand Hotel will request that Shu Sen Company publish an apology in the newspaper to uphold its reputation.

2. The Grand Hotel Taipei became involved in this fat storm mainly because the oil used by Shu Sen Company was purchased from Quan Ya Company. Due to concerns about cross-contamination with problematic fats, it was therefore necessary on October 24 to notify the preventive removal from shelves and return of the product to reduce consumer health concerns.

3. Because the entire incident has not yet been clarified and negative information continues to circulate, it has severely impacted the reputation of the Grand Hotel Taipei and caused panic and unease among consumers. To thank everyone for standing with the Grand Hotel through this storm, we absolutely demonstrate sincerity and express our gratitude. As the "American boneless short ribs" are one of the 244 buffet items,we have decided to implement a "full refund for the individual item" plan for the "American boneless short ribs" purchased from Shu Sen Company on July 6. According to the daily buffet preparation reports from the Songhe Restaurant, this item was only offered by the restaurant on the following dates this year (2014): July 8–15, August 4–10, September 9–15, and October 7–13. Therefore, customers who dined at the Songhe Restaurant buffet (lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea) during these time periods may present their receipts or credit card payment records for a refund of NT$100 per person, or choose to dine at the Songhe Restaurant buffet (lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea), where cash or credit card payments can be discounted by NT$200 per person.Detailed procedures and implementation dates will be announced on the official Grand Hotel Taipei website.

4. All questionable "American boneless short ribs" have been returned as of October 25. Please rest assured. The Grand Hotel Taipei places great importance on food safety issues. We absolutely strictly control the quality and safety of ingredients and will definitely provide the public with safe and worry-free food.