Salmonella identified as cause of Gia Lai bread poisoning that hospitalized 254

Health authorities in Gia Lai province have identified Salmonella spp. as the agent behind a food-poisoning outbreak linked to bread sold by the Bin Bin business in An Khe.

Tests found the bacteria in patient samples and food ingredients collected from the business. Salmonella was also detected in three specific samples: pâté, dried chicken and fried fish cake.

The outbreak sent 254 people to hospital after they reported severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, repeated vomiting and fever. By 1 p.m. on Sept. 3, all 254 patients had stabilized and left hospital. No deaths were reported.

The Food Safety Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Health asked Gia Lai’s health authorities to urgently investigate the outbreak, trace the food’s origins and determine the cause and agent responsible. It also called for strict action against any organizations or individuals found to have violated food-safety regulations.

The owner told authorities that Bin Bin supplied about 200 sandwiches of various types each day.