Suspected Food Poisoning Sickens 78 in Vietnam After Eating Bánh Mì

An outbreak of suspected food poisoning has sickened 78 people in An Khê ward, Gia Lai province, Vietnam, after they consumed mixed bánh mì from a local vendor. The affected individuals began experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, multiple episodes of vomiting, and fever between the evening of August 23 and August 24.

Patients were admitted to the An Khê Medical Center, with four requiring transfer to the Gia Lai Provincial General Hospital for continued treatment. As of August 25, all patients are reported to be conscious and in stable condition, with no fatalities recorded. The bánh mì in question contained ingredients including pâté, cold cuts, shredded pork floss, Vietnamese pork sausage, herbs, cucumber, chili paste, egg butter sauce, soy sauce, and braised pork.

The Bin Bin business, located at 1041 Quang Trung Street, which normally sells around 200 bánh mì daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., has temporarily suspended operations. The owner, Nguyễn Văn Khanh, is cooperating with the investigation.

Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The An Khê Ward People's Committee has directed the ward's health station and the food poisoning investigation team to collaborate with the medical center. They have collected 12 food samples, including cucumber, herbs, pâté, fried fish cake, pork floss, dried chicken, egg butter sauce, chili paste, pickled vegetables, braised pork, pork sausage, and cold cuts, for laboratory analysis. A vomit sample from a patient was also collected to help determine the cause of the poisoning.