148 cases suspected of food poisoning
On April 10, the Professional Medical Department - Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said that as of the morning of the same day, according to reports from 4 medical facilities in the city, 148 cases of suspected food poisoning at Binh Quoi Tay Primary School were recorded for examination and treatment. Among them, there were 102 cases of outpatient treatment and 46 cases of inpatient treatment.
Accordingly, Gia Dinh People's Hospital recorded 48 cases; of which, 35 cases are still inpatient treatment, the condition of the cases is stable, and 13 cases are undergoing outpatient monitoring.
Children's Hospital 2 recorded 15 cases; of which, 9 cases were treated as inpatients, the condition of the cases was stable, 6 cases were treated as outpatients.
Binh Thanh General Hospital recorded 72 cases; of which, 2 cases are still inpatient treatment, the condition of the cases is stable, 70 cases are outpatient treatment.
Binh Quoi Ward Health Station recorded 13 cases, all of which were prescribed outpatient medication.
The Department of Health has requested hospitals to closely monitor the situation, comply with treatment protocols and take samples for testing to identify the causative agent. The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) is assigned the task of coordinating with the Department of Food Safety and Binh Quoi Tay Primary School to continue epidemiological investigation and toxicology testing to clarify the cause of the incident.
In addition to urging units in emergency and treatment work, updating the progress of cases and implementing the reporting regime according to regulations, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has also directed Children's Hospital 2 to be proactive and ready to provide professional support, ensuring optimal resources for emergency and treatment work.
Tighten food safety control in school kitchens
Faced with concerns about food insecurity at school kitchens, on April 8 and 9, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety deployed food safety assurance work for establishments providing meals and food for schools in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to Mr. Le Minh Hai - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, the unit prioritizes prevention to protect students' health. The core goal is not to find violations to punish, but through thematic inspections, functional agencies want to guide and support businesses to review processes and self-monitor their food sources.
This is a common responsibility not only of management agencies but also the companionship from schools and supply units. Businesses uphold the spirit of responsibility to the community, implement commitments to provide safe and regulated food sources for semi-boarding and boarding kitchens and food business establishments in schools. This close coordination is the key to ensuring the quality of meals and safe development for the generation of students in the city.
Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued a plan to inspect the compliance with the law in the field of food safety for establishments providing meals and food for schools. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety will establish inspection teams, coordinate with local authorities to implement it. In necessary cases, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals will be invited to participate in coordination.
The inspection time takes place in April 2026. After completing the inspection, the Department of Food Safety will summarize and report the results to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, and at the same time, make quick reports when requested.
