The Ministry of Health has asked concerned agencies in the northern province of Vinh Phuc to treat the victims of a serious food poisoning which occurred at a local company on Tuesday afternoon.
In an urgent document sent to the Vinh Phuc Provincial Department of Health on Tuesday evening, the ministry also ordered an immediate suspension of the company's canteen.
According to a report from the Vinh Phuc Provincial Department of Health, more than 350 workers at the Shinwon Ebenezer Company developed food poisoning symptoms after lunch prepared by the company canteen.
"More than 3,290 workers ate fried chicken with chilli and lemongrass, cauliflower, green bean soup, and vegetable pickles between 11.30 am-12.30 pm on May 14," the report said. "Five workers started developing symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and fatigue at 2 pm and were sent to a local hospital. More workers faced the same problems; by 5 pm the same day, 351 victims had been reported. There were different hospitals and healthcare centres in the area for treatment.
A doctor at the Lac Viet Friendship Hospital said they have received over 200 workers from the Shinwon Ebenezer Company who all had food poisoning problems.
"They are all improving after being treated, and 76 patients have been discharged," the doctor said.
At the Vinh Phuc Provincial General Hospital, all 67 food poisoning cases have improved.
Vinh Phuc Provincial Department of Health said on Wednesday morning that they have prepared about 1,000 beds at local hospitals in case more cases need treatment.
Vinh Phuc authorities are investigating the case.
South Korean Shinwon Ebenezer Company is located in Khai Quang Industrial Zone in Vinh Yen City and specialises in garment production for export.