The Dak Lak Department of Health reported on 11/7 that 28 students were hospitalized with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and nausea after consuming lunch during a summer course at Hoang Viet Primary, Secondary, and High School on 2/7. The meal consisted of 2,124 servings. To date, 27 students have been discharged, with one remaining hospitalized in stable condition.

Testing of retained egg roll samples confirmed the presence of Salmonella bacteria. Additionally, two student samples also tested positive for the bacteria. Specialized agencies suspect the Salmonella contamination originated from utensils used to store the processed food.

Investigations revealed that the school cafeteria was organized with a one-way workflow, implemented a three-step food inspection process, and retained food samples as required. Kitchen staff had received food safety training and undergone regular health checks. Furthermore, water sources and drinking water were tested and certified according to regulations.

Following the incident, the school covered all medical examination and treatment costs for the affected students. The institution is also reviewing its entire food safety management process, enhancing utensil hygiene and disinfection, and tightening control over ingredients and supervision to prevent similar occurrences.

A school representative stated that this is the first food safety incident in over 10 years of operation, during which the school has served over 3,000 boarding and semi-boarding students.

Kim Thi