Patients suspected of food poisoning are being treated at Long Khánh Regional General Hospital in Đồng Nai Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Lê Xuân

ĐỒNG NAI — The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the cause of a mass food poisoning incident that led to the hospitalisation of many people in Đồng Nai Province. 

As of 7am on Friday, hospitals in Long Khánh City had admitted 469 suspected food poisoning cases linked to the consumption of bread from the Băng bread shop in Xuân Bình Ward, Long Khánh City. 

Dr. Lê Quang Trung, director of the provincial Department of Health, said that despite the rise in suspected food poisoning cases, all patients were in stable condition. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting an influx of patients to local hospitals with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain after consuming bread from the Băng bread shop between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday. 

On Friday, the Food Safety Department under the Ministry of Health urged the provincial Department of Health to immediately suspend the bakery suspected of causing food poisoning that resulted in numerous hospitalisations.

The Food Safety Department asked the provincial Department of Health to prioritise resources for treating affected patients. 

Urgent investigations are underway to pinpoint the cause of the poisoning, adhering to regulations, with food and biological samples being collected for testing. 

The results will be made public promptly to alert the community.

Furthermore, inspections will be conducted at the bread shop, and any violations found will be met with strict regulatory actions. 

The provincial health sector was also requested to enhance awareness and guidance, ensuring hygiene and food safety standards at dining service establishments. 

The provincial People's Committee has issued an urgent directive to manage the aftermath of the incident, emphasising the allocation of medical resources and clarification of responsibilities among relevant organisations and individuals. — VNS