The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department announced its findings on the afternoon of 20/4 regarding a medical incident at Binh Quoi Tay Primary School on 7/4.
Out of 740 students who consumed the semi-boarding meal that day, 266 experienced symptoms of food poisoning, with 190 requiring hospitalization. All affected students are now in stable condition.
The investigation revealed widespread cross-contamination among most dishes served on 7/4, indicating bacteria spread from one food item to another. Flan and cabbage soup with meat were identified as having the highest risk for causing food poisoning.
Laboratory tests confirmed Salmonella as the primary cause of the poisoning. Food samples also showed contamination with E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
The contaminated food originated from the Huu Phuoc Trading Service Production Transportation Company Limited Branch, which is the school's ready-meal supplier.
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Children with food poisoning receiving treatment at Gia Dinh People's Hospital. Photo: Minh Toan
On 17/4, the Food Safety Department mandated that schools currently utilizing meals from the implicated company find alternative suppliers to prevent disruption to students' meals. Additionally, schools are required to collaborate with parent associations and food safety experts to rigorously monitor the quality of daily meals.
Health officials advise the public to choose food from verifiable sources, cook thoroughly, and avoid consuming raw items. Key preventative measures include: thorough handwashing, sanitizing cooking utensils, separating raw and cooked foods, and either consuming meals immediately after preparation or storing and reheating them correctly.
Should symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting occur after eating, individuals should rest and rehydrate using oresol prepared according to instructions. Self-medication, particularly with anti-diarrhea drugs or antibiotics, should be avoided unless prescribed by a medical professional. Severe symptoms, including a high fever above 39 degrees C, persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, dehydration, disorientation, or extreme fatigue, necessitate immediate medical attention.
Le Phuong
