The TP HCM Food Safety Department announced on the evening of 12/5 the findings of its investigation into a food poisoning incident at Dang Thuy Tram Primary School in Tan Thuan ward. The incident stemmed from the lunch meal served on 24/4. Out of 1,306 individuals who ate the semi-boarding meal, 112 developed food poisoning symptoms, and 54 were hospitalized, including 52 students and 2 caregivers. No deaths were reported.
The investigation identified the steamed duck egg with pork dish as the source of the contamination. Food samples tested positive for salmonella and E.coli bacteria. Xich Long Production Trading Service Co., Ltd. supplied the school's meals.
The food poisoning affected both Dang Thuy Tram Primary School campuses, situated on Tran Xuan Soan and Huynh Tan Phat streets. Following the investigation's conclusion, the Food Safety Department will collaborate with the TP HCM Department of Health to assess the long-term health impacts on those affected. This assessment will form the basis for further action against the food provider.
The school's weekly menu, published on Dang Thuy Tram Primary School's website, showed that the 24/4 semi-boarding meal included: steamed duck egg with pork, fried basa fish fillet with fish sauce, stir-fried gourd with garlic, and seaweed tofu soup with meat. Yogurt was served as an afternoon snack, followed by rice cake for dessert.
Earlier, a stool sample from a child patient treated at Nhi Dong 2 Hospital tested positive for salmonella. This pathogen is frequently found in recent food poisoning outbreaks.
In early 4, 266 students at Binh Quoi Tay Primary School experienced food poisoning, with 190 hospitalized. The TP HCM Food Safety Department concluded that flan and cabbage soup from the school's semi-boarding meal were likely cross-contaminated. Salmonella was identified as the main culprit, with E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus also present in food samples.
The health sector advises individuals with suspected food poisoning symptoms against self-medicating, particularly with anti-diarrhea drugs or antibiotics without medical guidance. Seek prompt medical attention for persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Proper rehydration and electrolyte replenishment can improve the condition and shorten recovery time.
Le Phuong
