Banh mi food poisoning victims in Ho Chi Minh City surpass 300

As of Nov. 12, a total of 316 people had been treated across 14 hospitals. Most patients have recovered and been discharged, though 64 remain in hospital care, according to the city's Department of Health.

Military Hospital 175 received the largest number of patients with 175 cases, 25 of whom are still under treatment. Tam Anh General Hospital treated 30 people, with five remaining hospitalized. Gia Dinh People’s Hospital admitted 62 patients, 37 of whom are still being treated.

Tests there detected Salmonella and Staphylococcus coagulase-negative bacteria in several samples, though no fatalities have been reported.

Smaller hospitals also treated a number of cases. My Duc Tan Binh Hospital reported a 28-year-old pregnant patient who has since been discharged. Becamex International Hospital admitted nine patients, all expected to leave soon. Trung My Tay General Hospital treated six cases, Go Vap General Hospital four, Children’s Hospital 2 three, and Hoc Mon Regional Hospital one.

The outbreak began last week with most of the patients falling sick between Nov. 4 and 6, reporting abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever after eating banh mi from the two outlets of the Co Bich chain in the former Go Vap and Binh Thanh districts. Both shops have since been suspended, and authorities have sealed and collected food samples for testing.

The city’s Food Safety Management Authority and other agencies are investigating the cause of the contamination, but officials have yet to determine the source.