On 17/6, the Dao Thanh Ward People's Committee reported that 14 patients are receiving treatment at Military Hospital 120, four cases are at Tien Giang General Hospital, and the remaining patients are under observation at My Tho Regional Medical Center. Currently, all patients are in stable condition, conscious, responsive, and initially diagnosed with suspected food poisoning.
The patients developed symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, numb hands, and fatigue after consuming bread purchased from the Hong Ngoc 37 establishment on Ly Thuong Kiet street on 16/6. The Dao Thanh Ward People's Committee organized an inter-agency food safety inspection of the establishment, conducting rapid tests for borax on three samples of pork bologna, ham bologna, and garlic sausage, all of which yielded negative results.
The pork bologna, ham bologna, and garlic sausage samples at the establishment had various production batches, dates, and expiration periods, making it impossible for the establishment to identify the specific batch used in the bread. Consequently, the inspection team could not collect food samples for testing to determine the cause. Furthermore, the pate used for the bread was self-produced by the establishment and had sold out the day prior, leaving no samples available for analysis.
The Hong Ngoc bread establishment has ceased operations pending verification results from functional agencies.
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The Hong Ngoc 37 bread establishment is currently closed. Photo: Hoang Nam |
This marks the third instance of bread from the Hong Ngoc establishment causing food poisoning for numerous consumers. The first incident, in 8/2024, involved 149 people who suffered food poisoning after eating bread from this establishment, resulting in 380 million dong in compensation. Two months ago, the establishment was suspended for four months, fined 90 million dong, and ordered to pay 175 million dong in compensation after 86 people became ill.
Hong Ngoc is a large bread brand with over 100 business establishments in Mien Tay.
By Hoang Nam.
