Decisive handling of suspected food poisoning case in Gia Lai

Handling the suspected food poisoning incident in Gia Lai

Developments of the incident at Lam Huyen bakery

According to a report from the Health Department, the incident was recorded from the afternoon of May 22 when many local residents exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and headache after consuming banh mi from the said establishment. Notably, on May 22, Trung Nam Garment Company ordered banh mi to serve overtime workers, leading to a large number of people simultaneously showing suspected food poisoning symptoms. In addition, the shop also retailed about 200 assorted banh mi to customers during the day.

As of 6 a.m. on May 26, the entire province recorded 89 hospitalized cases related to the incident. Among them, 10 cases have been discharged, and no fatalities have been reported. Currently, the health condition of most patients is stable with significantly reduced symptoms, but they are still being closely monitored by medical facilities to prevent any abnormal developments.

Promptly after receiving the report, the Gia Lai Provincial Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department swiftly formed an investigation team, coordinating with relevant units to verify the incident, investigate epidemiological factors, trace food origins, and collect samples for testing. Concurrently, an interdisciplinary inspection team examined food safety compliance conditions at the Lam Huyen bakery establishment to clarify food safety risks.

The provincial health sector has directed hospitals and medical centers to proactively admit, perform emergency care, and treat patients; as well as prepare sufficient human resources, medicines, medical supplies, hospital beds, and emergency transport. Triage and monitoring of severe cases are being carried out strictly to ensure no delays in admission and treatment.

Delivering his directing remarks at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Thanh emphasized that as Gia Lai is hosting the National Tourism Year in 2026, ensuring food safety and hygiene is of particular importance—not only directly concerning people's health but also affecting the local image and reputation. The province identifies building a "green, clean, beautiful, and safe" tourism environment as a central task, in which food control is a key factor.

The Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the health sector to continue focusing maximum resources on providing the best treatment and care for patients to help them recover quickly. At the same time, the health sector was directed to coordinate with the Provincial Police, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Industry and Trade, and local authorities to urgently investigate and determine the cause of the incident as soon as possible. Any detected violations involving the use of unsafe chemicals or additives must be strictly handled in accordance with the law.

In the long term, the province will launch an intensive campaign to inspect and control food safety across the area, particularly during the peak tourism period from June to September 2026. Slaughterhouses, wholesale markets, supermarket chains, food retail stores, and street food stalls will be thoroughly reviewed and inspected. Small individual businesses will also be required to sign commitments to strictly comply with food safety and hygiene regulations.

Alongside this, functional authorities are stepping up communication to raise awareness among local people and food production and business establishments. Gia Lai affirms its resolute stance in strictly handling violating organizations and individuals, preventing unsafe food from affecting public health and the tourism environment, thereby helping build the image of a safe, friendly locality in the eyes of residents and tourists.