CaliToday (12/10/2025): Health authorities have suspended two outlets of a popular bakery chain in Go Vap and Binh Thanh districts as a mass food poisoning investigation intensifies.
HO CHI MINH CITY – A severe food safety emergency is escalating in Ho Chi Minh City as the number of victims linked to a mass food poisoning outbreak has soared to nearly 300 people as of Wednesday morning.
The incident is tied to bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) sold at two separate locations of the same popular bakery chain, one in Go Vap District and the other in the former Binh Thanh District area.
The Developing Situation
Hospitals across the city have reported a continuous influx of patients since the initial cases emerged. Victims, including many children and workers, presented with acute symptoms of food poisoning shortly after consuming the sandwiches.
Common symptoms reported include:
High fever
Severe abdominal cramps and vomiting
Persistent diarrhea
Dehydration
"We received dozens of patients in similar conditions, all pointing to the same food source," said a representative from a hospital in Go Vap District. "We are providing hydration therapy and monitoring the more severe cases, particularly among the elderly and young children, who are most vulnerable."
Authorities Launch Urgent Investigation
In response to the alarming rise in cases, the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Management Authority has taken immediate action. Both bakery outlets have been ordered to suspend all operations immediately pending a full investigation.
Key actions being taken include:
Sample Collection: Health inspectors have seized food samples from both locations, including pâté, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, and various meats, which are now undergoing laboratory testing to identify the exact pathogen.
Chain of Custody: Investigators are tracing the supply chain of the ingredients to determine if the contamination occurred at the store level or originated from a central supplier.
Suspected Cause: While the exact contaminant is not yet confirmed, officials are working on the hypothesis of a significant bacterial outbreak, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can thrive in improperly handled or stored ingredients like homemade sauces and meats.
Public Concern and Context
The incident has sparked widespread public concern, as bánh mì is an iconic and beloved staple of Vietnamese daily life, enjoyed by millions. The fact that the outbreak originated from an established chain, rather than a single street vendor, has amplified worries about food handling standards.
"You trust a brand, you expect it to be safe," said one Binh Thanh resident who lives near the affected shop. "To see this many people, especially children, get so sick is terrifying. It makes you question where it's safe to eat."
Health officials have issued a public advisory, urging anyone who consumed food from the implicated bakery chain within the last 48 hours and is experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
This remains a developing story, and authorities expect to provide further updates as laboratory results become available.