Authorities in Dao Thanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, reported on June 17 the results of an investigation into a suspected food poisoning outbreak linked to Hong Ngoc Bakery.
Hong Ngoc bakery is suspected of causing food poisoning in 22 people (Photo: Contributor).
According to the report, the ward administration received notification on June 16 from the My Tho Regional Medical Centre regarding multiple patients who had fallen ill after eating banh mi purchased from Hong Ngoc 37 Bakery at 64-66 Bis-62 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Dao Thanh Ward.
The patients were admitted to hospital with symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. They are being treated at Tien Giang General Hospital, Military Hospital 120 and the My Tho Regional Medical Centre.
By 7 pm on June 16, health authorities had recorded 22 suspected food poisoning cases.
Officials said the patients' conditions had stabilised and they remained under medical observation.
The Dao Thanh Ward People's Committee ordered an unannounced food safety inspection of the bakery and suspended its production and business operations from 7 pm on June 16 pending the outcome of the investigation.
Local authorities and the My Tho Regional Medical Centre also conducted rapid tests on three food samples collected from the premises, including pork sausage, ham and garlic sausage. Initial results were negative.
Medical facilities treating the patients have collected clinical specimens for laboratory testing in accordance with health regulations.
Authorities also noted that the bakery's operator had previously been sanctioned by the Dong Thap provincial government. The business was fined VND 90 million (approximately USD 3,400) and ordered to pay more than VND 175 million (approximately USD 6,700) to cover food poisoning response costs and medical treatment expenses for 86 affected people in an earlier case.