Over 500 individuals have been rushed to hospitals in southern Vietnam with suspected food poisoning after consuming bánh mì sandwiches from a shop in Dong Nai province. Among the affected, twelve are in critical condition, including two young boys aged six and seven.
Authorities have temporarily closed down the bakery responsible for the outbreak, located in Long Khanh city. Initial investigations suggest that the sandwiches may have spoiled due to the ongoing heatwave, exacerbated by inadequate food safety standards at the bakery.
Bánh mì, a beloved Vietnamese delicacy, features a French-style baguette filled with cold meats, pâté, and vegetables. The bakery, situated on Tran Quang Dieu Street, reportedly sells around 1,100 sandwiches daily, according to local officials.
The number of reported cases has been steadily rising, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pains. Tran Ngoc Phuong, a concerned mother, recounted purchasing sandwiches for her children, only for them to exhibit symptoms within 24 hours.
Health authorities have conducted blood tests on some critically ill patients, revealing the presence of E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in fresh produce like beef, cheese, and fruit. Samples of the bánh mì have been sent to labs for further analysis.
An investigation into the cause of the food poisoning has been launched by local police, as the community grapples with the alarming outbreak.
