HO CHI MINH CITY, Nov 10 — More than 200 people, mostly children, were hospitalised in Ho Chi Minh City over the past week after eating banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) from two outlets of the same chain, Viet Nam News reported today.
According to the municipal health department, Military Hospital 175 alone treated 131 patients with suspected food poisoning linked to the sandwiches. All were under 15 years old.
The victims had eaten banh mi from stores in Nguyen Thai Son Street in Hanh Thong Ward and Le Quang Dinh Street in Binh Loi Trung Ward.
While most patients have been discharged, several remain hospitalised, with some in serious condition.
Preliminary tests suggested the outbreak was caused by a bacterial infection consistent with food poisoning.
The department has submitted a report to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Ministry of Health, while hospitals have been told to follow treatment protocols and provide rapid updates.
Authorities have since suspended operations at both branches while the city’s Food Safety Management Authority investigates.
Inspections found that ingredients — including pork sausage, cold cuts, pate, eggs and vegetables — had clear origins and proper documentation.
The kitchen areas also met hygiene standards, with measures in place to prevent contamination.
Despite this, officials have sealed food samples for testing and are working to identify the source of the contamination.
The case remains under investigation.
