The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) confirmed the incident on the afternoon of 20/2/2026 and directed the Thanh Hoa Department of Health to prioritize resources for patient treatment. The agency instructed the hospital to closely monitor the patients' health, prepare for consultations with higher-level hospitals if conditions worsen, and ensure no life-threatening risks. Earlier, the group consumed eggs from arowana, an expensive ornamental fish. Immediately after the meal, multiple individuals exhibited symptoms of acute digestive disorders, suspected to be food poisoning. Doctors are actively treating these cases with rehydration and electrolyte replacement.

In addition to treatment efforts, the Ministry of Health urged local authorities to promptly investigate and collect samples for testing to identify the exact harmful toxins. The provincial health sector is also tasked with closely monitoring the community to detect any individuals with similar symptoms for timely intervention. The Food Safety Department advises residents to exercise caution with dishes prepared according to local customs or those derived from ornamental creatures. Experts strongly recommend against consuming wild animals or unfamiliar seafood with unknown toxicity.

Arowana are high-value freshwater ornamental fish, frequently imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, or Singapore. Believed to bring luck and prosperity, many individuals are willing to spend from several million to hundreds of millions of VND to own one. However, using the meat or eggs of this ornamental fish for food presents numerous unverified food safety risks.

Le Nga