The Phu My Ward People's Committee, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, fined the owner of Ngoc Ha bakery, citing "administrative violation affecting many people" as an aggravating circumstance. The owner paid the fine and has temporarily suspended operations.

Ngoc Ha bakery operates two locations: 964 Doc Lap Street and Group 5, Phuoc Lap residential area. It sells an average of 800 banh mi loaves daily. Starting 19/12, customers reported severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mild fever after consuming the banh mi. Hospitals confirmed these symptoms were "consistent with gastrointestinal food poisoning."

Patients receiving treatment at Ba Ria General Hospital after eating Ngoc Ha banh mi, 22/12. Photo: Hoang Nhi.

According to the Phu My Ward People's Committee, 125 cases were reported in total. Of these, 122 sought examination and treatment at clinics and hospitals in the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau area, while three individuals received treatment in Dong Nai.

Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory test results from the Food Safety Department. These results will provide the final conclusion on the precise cause of this suspected mass poisoning.

In early November last year, over 300 people in Ho Chi Minh City experienced food poisoning after consuming banh mi from Co Bich bakeries. Salmonella bacterial infection was identified as the cause.

In mid-December, over 200 individuals in Quang Ngai also fell ill with food poisoning after eating banh mi from a local bakery chain. Contaminated *cha* (Vietnamese pork sausage) and vegetables were found to be the source of the same pathogen.

Salmonella is a common bacterium that causes food poisoning, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. This pathogen naturally occurs in the environment and animal intestines. It spreads to humans through unsanitary food preparation or contact with contaminated hands and utensils.

Truong Ha