13 hospitalized after suspected 'banh mi' poisoning in central Vietnam

Huynh Gioi, director of Phuc Hung General Hospital, said the 13 patients developed severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever about four to six hours after consuming banh mi purchased from B.D. Bakery, a long-established brand in Quang Ngai.

Gioi said their conditions were assessed as moderate and that the hospital was providing active treatment.

Authorities have collected patient specimens for laboratory testing as they work to determine the cause of the suspected food poisoning.

The provincial Department of Health said it was aware of the incident and would issue an initial report later in the day.

Quang Ngai reported another mass food poisoning incident involving banh mi in late 2025, when 203 people sought medical care between December 13 and 16 after eating banh mi sold by Hong Van bakery.

Laboratory tests detected Salmonella bacteria in samples of beef and pork sausage, Vietnamese mayo, and chili paste.

Samples of cilantro tested positive for both Salmonella and Bacillus cereus.

Several patient specimens also tested positive for the pathogens.

On January 19, 2026, the provincial administration fined the owner of Hong Van Bakery more than VND213 million (US$8,280) for seven food safety violations.

The establishment was also ordered to suspend operations for four months, recall and destroy contaminated food, and cover the medical costs of those affected.