The Vietnam Food Safety Department, under the Ministry of Health, said it had received reports of 17 suspected food poisoning cases between November 3 and November 5 in Tinh Khe and Dong Son Communes. All those affected had reportedly eaten filled bread purchased from three local outlets.
Banh mi is a popular food in Vietnam (Illustrative photo: Trung Thi).
The incident marks the third mass food poisoning outbreak linked to bread in Quang Ngai Province this year.
The most recent previous outbreak occurred in October at Ba Duoc bakery, where 175 people fell ill. Investigations found that the food had been contaminated with microorganisms, including Salmonella bacteria.
To prevent further cases and minimise the impact on public health, the Food Safety Department has asked the Quang Ngai Department of Health to direct medical facilities treating affected patients to mobilise resources and provide intensive care, ensuring that no cases become life-threatening.
Authorities have also been urged to notify residents in the affected areas that anyone experiencing symptoms of suspected food poisoning after eating bread from the outlets linked to the incident should immediately contact their nearest commune or ward health station for assistance.
The department has called for an investigation to trace the origin of the suspected contaminated food and identify the suppliers of the ingredients. Food samples and clinical specimens must be collected for testing to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Any violations of food safety regulations must be strictly dealt with, if identified, and the investigation findings made public to provide timely warnings to the community.
The Quang Ngai Department of Health has also been asked to review street food businesses across the province, particularly bread shops and mobile bread stalls, and provide guidance on food safety requirements.
Businesses must strictly control the origin and traceability of food ingredients and maintain hygiene throughout food preparation, processing, transportation and storage.
Authorities have also been urged to raise public awareness of safe food choices to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
