According to a decision by the Vung Tau Ward People’s Committee, Le Nguyen Thi Bang Tuyen, 49, the shop owner, was penalized for “violation of regulations on certificate of food safety eligibility” as she operated a food service business without a valid food safety certification.
In addition, both the owner and individuals directly involved in food preparation lacked certification confirming training in food safety knowledge. In Vietnam, the Confirmation of Knowledge of Food Safety is a mandatory legal requirement for owners and employees directly involved in food production and trade. This process ensures that those handling food understand basic hygiene and safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Apart from the fine, the establishment has also been suspended for three months.
Motorcyclists ride past a banh mi shop that has been fined for a mass food poisoning case in Vung Tau. Photo by Read/Truong Ha |
The banh mi shop, located at the intersection of Do Chieu and Ly Thuong Kiet streets in Vung Tau, is well known among locals and operates in the mornings and evenings.
Since the beginning of the year, evening vendors have moved to 13 Do Chieu Street. Ingredients such as pâté, meat, cold cuts, and sauces were prepared at home before being brought to the shop for sale.
After consuming banh mi purchased from the shop on the afternoon of March 2, 108 people developed symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, and were taken to hospitals.
Test results showed that 28 out of 51 food samples were positive for Salmonellaa common cause of foodborne gastrointestinal infections.
Salmonella and E. coli are among the leading causes of food poisoning and intestinal infections, often linked to large-scale outbreaks involving unhygienic food. Infected individuals typically experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Recently, several food poisoning cases linked to banh mi in southern provinces have been attributed mainly to contamination by these two bacteria.
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