On the morning of 11/10, the Quang Ngai Department of Health announced that medical facilities had admitted additional patients suspected of food poisoning after consuming banh mi purchased from the Ba Duoc stall on Duy Tan street. As of this morning, the total number of individuals admitted to hospitals increased approximately sixfold compared to yesterday afternoon, reaching around 105 cases. Fortunately, no life-threatening cases have been recorded.
Phuc Hung Private General Hospital alone admitted 73 cases by 10h on 11/10. Of these, 43 individuals were hospitalized, and 27 received medication and were discharged. Three cases were transferred to Quang Ngai Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital for specialized care. Additional patients are currently receiving treatment at Quang Ngai Provincial General Hospital and Son Tinh Regional General Hospital.
Patients reported symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever after eating banh mi from the stall. The establishment has since temporarily ceased operations as requested by authorities.
Investigators found that the vegetables, chili sauce, regular sauce, and banh mi filling were prepared at the home of Nguyen Thi Thuy, located at 275 Phan Boi Chau street, Cam Thanh ward. Concerns were raised as the family's kitchen area is situated along a pathway adjacent to a restroom.
During the inspection, the establishment failed to provide documentation verifying the origin of its food ingredients or a business license for selling filled banh mi. The stall typically sells around 350 banh mi loaves each day.
Authorities have sealed remaining food items and collected 13 food samples and nine patient samples for laboratory testing to pinpoint the cause. The Economic, Corruption, Smuggling, and Environmental Crime Investigation Police Department is collaborating with the health sector and local authorities to investigate the incident.
The Food Safety Department has urged the Quang Ngai Department of Health to prioritize patient treatment, trace ingredient origins, conduct sample testing, and strictly penalize any violations. Individuals who consumed banh mi from this stall and develop suspected food poisoning symptoms are advised to seek prompt medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
Ba Duoc Banh Mi, a brand with a history dating back to 1950, began with its first stall in front of the Hoa Binh cinema in Quang Ngai. The brand's website indicates three primary establishments located in the old Quang Ngai urban center.
Pham Linh
