Bread poisoning case in Vung Tau: infection with strange bacteria, tracing 4 input supplies?

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee, requested to strictly handle violations, handle the root and thoroughly, and at the same time expand the investigation into the origin of related foods, completed in December.

On the afternoon of December 1, Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee, chaired a meeting of the Provincial People's Committee to listen to reports on food poisoning cases related to Co Ba Ben Dinh bakery (No. 6 Nguyen An Ninh Street, Ward 7, Vung Tau City).

At the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Thai, Deputy Director in charge of the Department of Health of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, said that based on the test results of food samples and specimens on November 30 of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Public Health, this is a case of food poisoning caused by microorganisms (Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli).

Among the hundreds of patients suffering from food poisoning due to eating bread and sticky rice of Co Ba Ben Dinh shop, 1 case was recorded. By the morning of December 1, there were 105 cases being treated at Vung Tau Hospital and Ba Ria Hospital, but the health of the patients was stable.

The provincial Department of Health continues to direct hospitals to focus all resources to actively treat and support patients during the treatment process, so as not to affect the health and life of patients.

Three establishments of Co Ba Ben Dinh bakery were suspended from operation on the morning of November 27. These establishments do not have business registration licenses, do not have certificates of food safety eligibility. Owners of establishments and employees do not have a list of trained in food safety knowledge, do not have health certificates.

In addition, the facilities and equipment and tools of the establishment have not ensured sanitary conditions (preliminary processing and processing under the floor; tools and materials are not high; the walls of the washing area are damp and moldy). The processing process does not follow the one-way principle.

At the time of inspection, the establishment has not been able to present the necessary documents as well as documents proving the origin of the input food. The facility takes input food from 4 bread production establishments and 2 pork and spring roll production establishments.

Currently, the case has been transferred to the Provincial Police for further investigation and handling according to regulations. Concluding the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Tho requested to strictly handle violations, handle the root cause thoroughly, and at the same time expand the investigation into the origin of related foods, which will be completed in December.

Mr. Tho emphasized that there must be strong sanctions to deter food service establishments from violating. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of relevant organizations and individuals in the management and provide solutions to handle and report before December 5.

The Chairman of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee assigned Vung Tau City and the Department of Health to direct the care of patients treated at hospitals. Review the regulations and processes of food hygiene and safety management in order to strictly control and strengthen the inspection of post-issuance of food safety and hygiene certificates in the area.

Earlier on November 27, the Emergency Department, Vung Tau Hospital and Vietsovpetro Medical Center (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) received dozens of patients admitted to the hospital with fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

According to some patients, on the evening of November 26, they ate bread at Co Ba Ben Dinh shop. After eating, many people felt tired, vomiting, and diarrhea continuously until the morning of November 27, but they couldn't bear it, so they had to go to the emergency hospital.

As of 16:00 on November 29, the surveillance system of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau health sector recorded that the total number of patients hospitalized for treatment due to eating bread of this shop at Vung Tau Hospital and Vietsovpetro Medical Center was 373 people. Of these, there are 124 inpatients (6 severe cases with low blood pressure and shock) and 249 cases with stable treatment and discharged. The case of departure is Mr. T.V.R. (71 years old, residing in Ward 11, Vung Tau city).