The number of suspected food poisoning cases linked to two banh mi shops in Ho Chi Minh City has risen to 235, with patients treated at 13 hospitals. One critically ill patient remains under intensive care.

As of noon on November 10, a total of 235 individuals sought medical attention for symptoms suspected to be related to food poisoning after consuming banh mi. Most had eaten from two branches of the same banh mi chain located on Nguyen Thai Son Street (Hanh Thong Ward) and Le Quang Dinh Street (Binh Loi Trung Ward).

Gia Dinh People's Hospital recorded 52 suspected food poisoning cases, with 34 patients still under treatment.

One patient tested positive for Salmonella through blood culture and is responding well to antibiotics.

Another patient, suffering from pre-existing lung disease, is on a ventilator due to respiratory failure, though the cause is not directly linked to food poisoning.

Military Hospital 175 in HCMC reported the highest number of cases, with 131 patients admitted. Of those, 23 remain hospitalized, while the rest have been discharged.

At Tam Anh General Hospital, the number of affected patients has reached 26. Twelve have been discharged, 13 are being treated in the Department of Gastroenterology, and one previously in intensive care is now stable.

Several other medical facilities have also reported related cases, including Binh Dan Hospital, My Duc Tan Binh Hospital, Becamex International Hospital, Trung My Tay General Hospital, Hoc Mon Regional General Hospital, Khanh Hoi Hospital, Children’s Hospital 2, University Medical Center, and 115 People’s Hospital.

The HCMC Food Safety Authority is working with relevant agencies to investigate the case.

So far, only one case has tested positive for Salmonella, and the source of the widespread food poisoning remains unconfirmed.

The HCMC Department of Health has instructed hospitals to report severe cases and share microbiological test results and complication data for coordinated treatment.

The department has also briefed the HCMC People’s Committee and the Ministry of Health and issued directives for hospitals to triage and treat patients according to food poisoning protocols.

Immediately after receiving initial reports, the Food Safety Authority and the local Hanh Thong Ward authorities formed an inspection team on November 7.

The branch on Nguyen Thai Son Street was temporarily shut down. All food and ingredients were sealed for testing.

On November 8, inspectors found that the Le Quang Dinh branch had already ceased operations.

Investigation teams have gathered patient data from Military Hospital 175 and Gia Dinh People’s Hospital.

Authorities stated that they may expand the investigation area if needed to determine the root cause of the outbreak.

Doctors warn that anyone showing symptoms after eating banh mi should seek medical attention immediately rather than self-treat at home, as the condition may worsen quickly.

Phuoc Sang