Decisive Actions Taken in Suspected Food Poisoning Case in Gia Lai

Handling the Suspected Food Poisoning Incident in Gia Lai

Developments of the Incident at Lam Huyen Banh Mi Shop

According to reports from the health sector, the incident was first noted on the afternoon of May 22, when numerous residents exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache after consuming banh mi from the aforementioned establishment. Notably, on May 22, Trung Nam Garment Company ordered banh mi to serve workers doing overtime, leading to a large number of people concurrently presenting suspected symptoms of food poisoning. Additionally, the shop had sold approximately 200 assorted banh mi sandwiches to retail customers throughout the day.

As of 6:00 AM on May 26, the entire province recorded 89 hospitalized cases related to the incident. Among them, 10 patients have been discharged, and no fatalities have been reported. The majority of patients are currently in stable condition with noticeable symptom relief, yet they continue to be closely monitored by medical facilities to prevent any abnormal developments.

Immediately upon receiving the information, the Gia Lai Sub-Department of Food Safety and Hygiene promptly established an investigation team to coordinate with relevant units in verifying the case, conducting epidemiological investigations, tracing food origins, and collecting samples for laboratory testing. Concurrently, an interdisciplinary inspection team examined the food safety conditions at the Lam Huyen banh mi shop to clarify potential contamination risks.

The provincial health sector has directed local hospitals and medical centers to proactively admit, provide emergency care for, and treat patients, ensuring an adequate supply of medical personnel, pharmaceuticals, supplies, hospital beds, and emergency transport. Patient triage and the monitoring of severe cases have been strictly conducted, ensuring that no delays occur in receiving and treating affected individuals.

Delivering directives at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Thanh emphasized that 2026 is the year Gia Lai hosts the National Tourism Year; therefore, ensuring food hygiene and safety is of paramount importance, directly affecting not only the health of the community but also the local image and reputation. The province identifies the development of a "green, clean, beautiful, and safe" tourism environment as a key priority, with food safety control serving as a crucial foundation.

The Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee urged the health sector to continue focusing maximum resources on providing the best treatment and care for patients to facilitate a rapid recovery. At the same time, the health department is tasked with collaborating with the Provincial Police, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Industry and Trade, and local administrations to expedite the investigation and identify the root cause as soon as possible. Any violations involving the use of unsafe chemicals or additives must be strictly dealt with in accordance with the law.

Over the long term, the province will launch an intensive campaign to inspect and control food safety across the region, particularly during the peak tourism season from June to September 2026. Slaughterhouses, wholesale markets, supermarket chains, food retail shops, and street food stalls will be thoroughly reviewed and inspected. Small vendors and household businesses will also be required to sign written commitments to strictly adhere to food hygiene and safety regulations.

In parallel, competent agencies will step up communication efforts to raise awareness among the public, as well as food production and business establishments. Gia Lai affirms its firm stance on rigorously handling violating organizations and individuals, preventing unsafe food from compromising public health and the tourism environment, thereby contributing to fostering a safe, hospitable local image for both residents and visitors.