Pasteur Institute Nha Trang announced the test results on 13/10, based on 13 food samples linked to the food poisoning incident involving banh mi in Cam Thanh ward, Quang Ngai.

Of these, twelve samples tested positive for salmonella bacteria, including two vegetable samples, two pork sausage samples, two shredded pork samples, two sauce samples, two chili sauce samples, two banh mi samples, and one butter sample. The remaining one pork sausage sample tested negative for the bacteria.

Investigators detected E.coli bacteria in three food samples: butter (which had the highest concentration), pork sausage, and vegetables. Additionally, the pork sausage sample was also contaminated with staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause intestinal infections, with symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. However, the food test results alone are not enough to pinpoint which specific sample directly caused the poisoning. Authorities need to cross-reference these findings with patient sample test results and conduct an epidemiological investigation to identify the exact source of contamination.

The ingredient samples were collected from the Ba Duoc banh mi stall on Duy Tan street, Cam Thanh ward, where they are served with the banh mi sold there. On 10/10, many individuals developed symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever after consuming banh mi purchased from the Ba Duoc stall. Initial diagnoses suspected food poisoning. Over the next 5 days, the number of hospitalized individuals rose to 175.

Pregnant woman receiving treatment at Quang Ngai Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital after eating banh mi. Photo: Kim Ny.

Authorities ordered the Ba Duoc banh mi establishment to temporarily cease operations. They also inspected the processing area and sealed the remaining food items for further investigation. The owner had been unable to provide documentation proving the origin of several ingredients, and the processing area at the private residence exhibited hygiene concerns.

The Food Safety Department, under the Ministry of Health, instructed Quang Ngai's health sector to prioritize patient treatment, conduct epidemiological investigations, trace ingredient origins, collect food and patient samples to determine the cause, and address any violations.

Pham Linh