Vietnam: 89 Hospitalized in Suspected Bánh Mì Food Poisoning Outbreak

Authorities in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, are urgently investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak that has led to 89 people being hospitalized in Quy Nhơn. The incident is linked to bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) purchased from the Lâm Huyền establishment in Quy Nhơn Đông ward.

Provincial Vice Chairman Nguyễn Tuấn Thanh stressed the importance of food safety, particularly as Gia Lai hosts the National Tourism Year 2026. He emphasized the province's goal to project an image of a green, clean, safe, and friendly destination, with food safety being a critical component for protecting both residents and tourists. Thanh has directed relevant departments to thoroughly investigate the cause of the poisoning within the week.

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Therefore, the province sets a goal of building an image of a green, clean, safe, and friendly destination; in which ensuring food safety is identified as one of the key tasks to protect the health of the people and tourists.

If any use of unsafe chemicals or additives is found to have caused the poisoning, authorities are instructed to impose strict legal penalties. Thanh also called for an intensified campaign of food safety inspections across the province, focusing on small eateries, street food vendors, wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, and distribution channels to ensure a safe and civilized tourism environment.

The outbreak began on the evening of May 22, when workers at a garment company experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever after consuming bánh mì bought from Lâm Huyền. By the morning of May 26, the number of hospitalized individuals had risen to 89. While no fatalities have been reported and most patients are stable, the establishment reportedly sold over 200 bánh mì on the day of the incident. The provincial Department of Food Safety and Hygiene is collecting samples for testing and tracing the food's origin.

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If violations involving the use of chemicals or additives that do not ensure safety and cause food poisoning are detected, functional agencies must strictly handle them according to the law.