A short video recently went viral on social media, showing a drink stall in An Giang swarmed with insects covering trays of sugar and utensils. Despite the scene, many customers continued to queue, and the stall owner calmly served drinks, seemingly unfazed by the insects.

At first glance, viewers expressed discomfort, assuming the insects were flies. Upon closer inspection, they realized the swarm consisted of bees.

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Caption: A swarm of bees covers the counter of a drink stall. Source: Phuong Duy

Many online users argued that bees are less concerning than flies in terms of hygiene. Some even suggested that bees do not compromise food safety like flies do. However, others disagreed, pointing out that any insect contact with food or beverages poses potential hygiene risks and may deter customers.

According to Nguyen Phuong Duy, a resident of Ben Tre who captured the footage, the drink stall is located in a market near the Cambodian border in An Giang province.

“I was just passing by. From a distance, I thought they were flies. But I noticed a long line of customers waiting, which made me curious,” Duy said. “When I got closer, I realized they were bees. This scene isn't entirely new to me. When I was a child accompanying my mother to traditional markets in the Mekong Delta, I often saw bees gathering around stalls selling sweets or sugar. People believe these are wild bees, and their presence is a sign that the sugar is natural and not chemically processed. But I rarely see this many bees these days.”

According to Duy, the stall sells iced sweet tea for about $0.20 per cup and coffee for around $0.40.

“I wasn't bothered at all,” he added. “I tried both drinks and found them quite tasty. It’s a simple, affordable street drink stall, and that's why it’s always crowded.”

Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Thinh, former lecturer at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, explained that bees are attracted to sweet smells, especially those of honey or sugar, rather than spoiled food or dead matter like flies.

However, he noted that as bees fly around searching for food, they may carry dirt or pathogens on their legs, posing a potential health risk. Although not as alarming as flies, the image of a stall swarmed with bees can still make customers uneasy and raises hygiene concerns.

He emphasized that vendors should take proper measures such as using mesh screens or covers to ensure food safety and hygiene.

Linh Trang