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A forensic lab may have cracked the mystery of the food poisoning case that's left two dead and dozens sick across Taiwan.
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Samples taken from the Taipei restaurant where all the victims ate have tested positive for a fatal toxin called bongkrekic acid.
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Taipei Mayor Chiang Wayne announced the findings in a press conference.
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(Speaking in Chinese) The material evidence we gathered tested positive. As soon as we got the news last night, we contacted prosecutors.
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Bongkrekic acid can form on certain foods like noodles that aren't properly stored.
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But exactly what happened is still being investigated.
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As investigators work to figure out where the toxin came from, doctors are still trying to save several of the severely ill.
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A few will need drastic action to survive.
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(Speaking in Chinese) Four have severe liver damage. Two may even need liver transplants.
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One question that's followed this scandal does appear to have a final answer, though.
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The question of who is going to pay compensation.
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The branch of the restaurant chain where diners fell ill let its insurance lapse due to debts.
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This means the insurer for the food court where the restaurant is located will have to foot the bill.
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It could cost them up to 1.2 million U.S. dollars between the 31 sick and dead.
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(Speaking in Chinese) The Polam Kopitiam restaurant at Far Eastern's Xinyi A13 department store is covered by the food poisoning insurance added to the public liability insurance of Food Republic Taiwan.
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The amount of compensation in this case wil probably increase again.
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But the restaurant chain as a whole won't get off completely.
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Its other Taipei locations, like this one, also let their insurance lapse.
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Taipei's mayor has promised a fine on the restaurant chain itself.
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(Speaking in Chinese) They didn't pay their premiums, and their policies were canceled. We'll fine them US31,000 for this.
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The financial fallout may be settling, but this case isn't closed.
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On top of questions about how so many got so sick, and about survivors' chances for recovery, there are also questions about who, if anyone, is going to face criminal responsibility.
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Taiwan's unsettled public wants the answers.
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Joseph Wu and John Van Trieste, in Taipei, for Taiwan Plus.
