Last week, approximately six organizations and businesses purchased cream cakes from the Cupcake bakery in Rach Gia ward for International Women's Day celebrations. Out of 98 people who consumed the cake, 97 subsequently developed symptoms of food poisoning.

On the afternoon of March 13, the An Giang Department of Health announced that an investigation determined salted egg cream cake from the Cupcake bakery was the cause of food poisoning in 97 individuals. Among them, 43 were hospitalized with mild to moderate symptoms. Lab tests of patient samples confirmed the presence of salmonella bacteria.

All patients have since been discharged from the hospital.

Cake suspected of causing food poisoning for many diners. Photo: Duong Dong

During an inspection of the bakery, an inter-agency team was unable to collect cake samples for testing. However, they identified several violations: food preparers did not wear full protective gear, solid waste collection bins lacked lids, and the premises failed to maintain hygiene standards for a processed food business.

The bakery owner was fined 100 million dong, and the establishment's operations were suspended.

Salmonella is a leading cause of diarrhea and is responsible for numerous large-scale food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. When it enters the body through food or drink, the bacteria produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining. Without timely rehydration, affected individuals can suffer severe dehydration, low blood pressure, multi-organ failure, and even death. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to life-threatening sepsis.

Ngoc Tai