In Vietnam, more than 300 people who ate street food showed symptoms of food poisoning, adn one person died.
According to foreign media such as VN Express on the 30th (local time), a 71-year-old man who bought and ate a Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi (Bain Mi), in Vung Tau City, southern Vietnam, on the 27th died the next day.
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made wiht various fillings such as pork, pickled vegetables, and cilantro on a Vietnamese baguette. It is called the soul food of the Vietnamese people and is mainly sold at street stalls and kiosks at low prices.
The man was hospitalized with vomiting and diarrhea after eating banh mi, and his condition worsened and he eventually died.
At the hospital, he was diagnosed with suspected food poisoning along with a serious gastrointestinal infection and acute kidney injury. This man reportedly underwent aortic valve replacement surgery four years ago and had high blood pressure.
Recently, in vung tau, about 300 people who bought Banh Mi at the same store as this man visited the hospital with suspected food poisoning. Of these, about 120 were confirmed to be still receiving treatment.
Authorities are inspecting banh mi sold at this store and tracing the source of the ingredients. The hospital has formed a medical committee to determine the cause of death.
The store suspended operations during the investigation. The business owner is said to have been selling 600 to 700 banh mi every day.
Simultaneously occurring, this is not the first time a large-scale food poisoning incident occurred in Vietnam. Last April, 568 people were hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning after eating banh mi at a restaurant in Dong Nai Province, southern vietnam. Among them, 12 people were in critical condition, and a 6-year-old boy was in a coma and received treatment.
kim Ye-seul, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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How can consumers identify safe street food vendors when trying customary dishes like Banh Mi?
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Food Safety Expert Dr. Linh Tran
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Tran, and thank you for joining us today.With the recent reports of food poisoning incidents linked to Banh Mi in Vietnam, what are the most pressing concerns regarding street food safety?
Dr. Tran: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The situation in vung Tau is quite alarming,especially given that more than 300 individuals have reported symptoms of food poisoning. Street food offers affordable and flavorful options, but it also comes with risks if safety measures aren’t properly enforced.
Editor: Absolutely.ItS striking to note that this incident resulted in the death of a 71-year-old man and affected so many others. From your viewpoint,what are the common causes of food poisoning in street food?
Dr. Tran: There are several potential causes.For street food like Banh Mi, improper handling, unsanitary conditions, and contaminated ingredients can lead to serious health issues. In this case, we need to thoroughly investigate where the ingredients were sourced from and whether proper food safety practices were followed at the vendor’s location.
Editor: Given that the man had pre-existing health conditions, like high blood pressure and recent heart surgery, how might this have affected the severity of his illness?
Dr. Tran: Pre-existing health conditions can certainly complicate the situation. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe reactions from foodborne pathogens. The combination of a gastrointestinal infection and acute kidney injury, as reported, could escalate quickly for those already at risk.
Editor: It’s also vital to highlight that this isn’t the first major food poisoning incident linked to Banh Mi in Vietnam. Earlier this year,over 500 people were hospitalized for similar reasons. What does this tell us about the state of food safety regulations in the country?
Dr. Tran: It suggests that there is a recurring issue with enforcement and adherence to food safety standards among street food vendors. Even though the Vietnamese government has made strides in improving food safety, there’s still a long way to go, especially in formalizing regulations for street food operations.
Editor: Captivating. What actions do you think should be taken promptly to address this ongoing problem?
Dr. Tran: First, swift inspection and stricter regulations are essential. The recent store involved has been suspended, which is a good start. Authorities must ensure all vendors comply with hygiene standards and undergo regular training. Public awareness campaigns can also help educate consumers on the signs of foodborne illness and the importance of sourcing food from reputable sources.
Editor: What role can consumers play in ensuring their own food safety when enjoying street food like Banh Mi?
Dr. Tran: Consumers should look for signs of cleanliness and food safety. As a notable example, observe if the vendor is using gloves, if food is stored properly, and if there’s a high turnover of products.Trust your instincts—if something seems off, it’s best to avoid it. Additionally,it’s wise to keep an eye on recent food safety reports,as they can help inform choices.
Editor: Such important insights, Dr. Tran. As we wrap up, how can we ensure that classic dishes like Banh Mi remain a safe option for everyone while preserving their cultural significance?
Dr. Tran: It requires a collaborative effort between the government, food vendors, and consumers. By establishing a framework that prioritizes food safety alongside cultural pride, we can enjoy beloved local dishes without compromising health. it’s also crucial to celebrate and support vendors who prioritize safety; they can serve as role models in the community.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tran,for your valuable perspective on this pressing issue. We hope to see improvements in food safety for the benefit of all who enjoy Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.
Dr. Tran: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope together for a safer dining experience for everyone!