The suspected food poisoning of more than 100 people after consuming bread in Quy Nhon Dong Ward has underscored the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards in Gia Lai, particularly as the province prepares to host National Tourism Year 2026.
A reporter from Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television spoke with Ms. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Nhung, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, about the incident and the province’s response.
* First, could you share how the health sector has proactively provided emergency care and treatment for patients suspected of food poisoning after eating bread?
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Nhung, Deputy Director of the Department of Health.
- Immediately after receiving reports of the incident, the Department of Health activated its mass food poisoning response protocol and directed the Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department, medical facilities, and the Provincial Center for Disease Control to coordinate urgent investigations and response measures in accordance with regulations.
The department instructed all healthcare facilities to maintain 24/7 emergency services, ensuring adequate staffing, medicines, intravenous fluids, and medical equipment. Preparations were also made for consultations and patient transfers if required.
Hospitals and health centres proactively triaged patients, closely monitored their conditions, and promptly treated cases showing symptoms consistent with suspected food poisoning.
Alongside treatment efforts, the health sector conducted epidemiological investigations and collected food and clinical samples to determine the cause of the incident.
Public information campaigns were also intensified, advising residents to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they developed symptoms after consuming food linked to the case.
* Has the health sector reached any conclusions about the cause of the incident?
- Initial investigations indicate that the incident is connected to food supplied by the Lâm Huyền business household at 252 Hùng Vương Street, Quy Nhơn Đông Ward.
An inspection by the Department of Health identified several shortcomings and violations of food safety regulations at the establishment. These included operating without a valid Food Safety Certificate, a lack of certified food safety training for food handlers, inadequate traceability records, unsanitary food processing and storage conditions, the presence of insects and pests in processing areas, and the use of food ingredients of unclear origin.
Recent prolonged hot weather and high temperatures may also have created favourable conditions for microorganisms to multiply rapidly in food that was not processed or stored according to food safety standards.
According to observations at healthcare facilities, most patients experienced symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild fever after consuming food associated with the incident.
Based on epidemiological findings, weather conditions and clinical symptoms, the incident is initially believed to be linked to food poisoning caused by microorganisms.
The health sector has collected food samples, including pork skin sausage, pâté and head cheese, as well as clinical specimens for laboratory testing. The official cause will be announced once testing and professional assessments have been completed in accordance with regulations.
The inter-agency inspection team checks a facility during the Action Month for Food Safety 2026. Photo: N.N
* What measures will the health sector take to help ensure Gia Lai remains a safe destination during National Tourism Year 2026?
- National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026 will feature numerous large-scale events throughout the year and is expected to attract significant numbers of visitors. Ensuring food safety is therefore a key priority requiring coordinated, decisive and continuous action.
Following this incident, the health sector will continue reviewing and strengthening management measures while working closely with relevant agencies to minimise the risk of future food poisoning cases and reinforce Gia Lai’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.
In the coming period, the Department of Health will maintain strict food safety oversight and work closely with government agencies, local authorities and law enforcement bodies to intensify inspections and monitoring of compliance at food service businesses, collective kitchens and food processing facilities, particularly at event venues, tourist destinations and establishments serving large numbers of visitors.
Post-inspection activities will also be strengthened, with strict enforcement against violations of food safety regulations. Establishments that fail to meet required standards will face firm sanctions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
The department will further expand communication campaigns to improve awareness among food businesses and encourage compliance with food safety laws.
In addition, the health sector has developed medical response plans, organised emergency standby teams and ensured adequate stocks of medicines, supplies and chemicals to respond promptly to any incidents that may arise during National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026.
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