The decision was issued on Thursday evening while the ministry worked with Haiphong authorities to investigate the incident.
A report from the Haiphong City Health Department said that 178 workers showed symptoms of food poisoning, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breath difficulties after having lunch at the company's canteen. One hundred twenty-seven were sent to hospital for treatment.
The department said the company served 802 staff members at 11.30 am with two menus. The first menu included braised chicken, roasted peanuts, steamed squash, vegetable soup, steamed rice, and watermelon. The second menu had braised fish, roasted pork, steamed squash, vegetable soup, rice, and watermelon."
Many workers started showing food poisoning symptoms at 1 pm.
The department has taken food samples for their investigation.