A resident in Taipei has stirred debate after alleging that odor emanating from a nearby stinky tofu restaurant caused severe hair loss. The individual, identified as Mr. A, posted photos of his balding scalp and hospital-prescribed ointment on social media, sparking widespread discussion among locals and online communities.
Mr. A lives in the Zhongshan District near Jiannan Road MRT Station. He stated that the powerful smell from the restaurant caused him extreme stress. As a result, he pulled out his hair repeatedly, ultimately exposing the top of his head. The controversy gained attention as more people shared the complaint online, raising concerns about health effects and environmental standards.
The Taipei City Department of Environmental Protection responded by noting ongoing inspections and improvements at the restaurant. Authorities said the establishment had attracted multiple odor complaints since its December 2024 opening. In a February 9 inspection, officials measured the odor concentration at more than ten times the legal limit, resulting in a fine of nearly 585,000 New Taiwan dollars.
Following this, the restaurant installed exhaust and deodorizing equipment. A second inspection on April 20 found that odor levels had dropped below the threshold, and related complaints reduced to just a few each month. The department reported no significant issues from subsequent checks.
Despite the improvements, renewed complaints have surfaced, especially on social media, prompting an increase in grievances. The Department of Environmental Protection announced plans for a fresh on-site assessment after the Lunar New Year, asking residents to help pinpoint spots where the odor is most noticeable.
