Gia Lai’s Food Safety and Hygiene Department said on May 26 that it had issued a rapid report on the suspected poisoning incident connected to L.H. food business on Hung Vuong Street in Quy Nhon Dong Ward.
After the incident, the banh mi shop closed and announced it would shut for several days (Photo: Doan Cong).
Authorities said the department first received information at around 12.30 pm on May 24 that multiple patients at Gia Lai Central General Hospital were being treated for suspected food poisoning after eating banh mi purchased from the shop.
Initial investigations found that at 5 pm on May 22, a company had ordered banh mi from the business for staff working overtime. The order included 28 loaves filled with pork sausage, pork skin sausage, braised pork belly, pate, egg butter sauce, pickled vegetables and herbs, along with 18 loaves served with meat sauce.
By 11 pm the same day, 15 people had reportedly developed symptoms including stomach pain, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and fever. Twelve sought hospital treatment, while three treated themselves at home.
According to the shop owner’s statement, around 200 similar banh mi were sold on May 22 alone.
The Food Safety and Hygiene Department said that by 2 pm on May 25, the total number of hospitalised cases linked to the incident had reached 75. Notably, the shop owner was also among those admitted for treatment.
Health officials said most patients had stabilised, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and headaches showing significant improvement. Patients were reportedly conscious, responsive and able to eat light meals.
Patients suffering food poisoning after eating banh mi are being treated at Gia Lai Province Central General Hospital (Photo: Doan Cong).
Authorities said investigations into the cause of the suspected poisoning were continuing in coordination with relevant agencies.
Gia Lai’s Department of Health has also instructed medical facilities to proactively receive, provide emergency care for and treat patients linked to the incident, while implementing measures to handle the suspected food poisoning case in accordance with regulations.