On the morning of 14/12/2024, Phuc Hung General Hospital in Quang Ngai admitted 25 emergency cases suspected of food poisoning after they consumed banh mi from the Hong Van banh mi and nem cha chain. Nine severe cases required hospitalization, presenting with high fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

An elderly patient hospitalized at Phuc Hung General Hospital due to poisoning after eating banh mi. *Ngan Giang*

This incident marked the second consecutive day the hospital had admitted patients with suspected food poisoning from banh mi. Yesterday, the hospital received 15 cases in the morning and an additional 13 in the afternoon. In total, Phuc Hung General Hospital alone has admitted over 53 patients over the two days.

Patients hailed from various localities, including Nghia Lo ward, Cam Thanh ward, Nghia Giang commune, and Khanh Cuong commune. Most were adults, with some children aged 4-7 years old. One 73-year-old patient developed a severe condition due to acute kidney failure. In one instance, a family of four was hospitalized together for emergency treatment. A common thread among all patients was the onset of unusual symptoms after eating banh mi purchased from different branches, all belonging to the aforementioned chain.

Phuc Hung General Hospital reported the incident to the Quang Ngai Department of Health. Additionally, Quang Ngai General Hospital admitted 22 cases, and Thien Nhan Clinic received three related cases.

In total, three medical facilities in Quang Ngai have treated over 70 people, with initial diagnoses suspecting food poisoning linked to banh mi from the Hong Van chain. The Quang Ngai Department of Health and the Provincial Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-department collected 17 food samples from the chain's system and six patient samples for testing. Results are pending.

Do Ngoc Hoa, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Department of Health, stated that the health sector collected samples, conducted microbiological tests, sealed the samples, and ordered nine branches along with the main facility of the Hong Van chain to cease operations. The number of hospitalized individuals continues to rise.

The Hong Van chain, known for its banh mi and nem cha, operates numerous branches in Quang Ngai and is a popular local establishment.

Pham Linh