13 hospitalized after suspected poisoning from ornamental fish eggs in Vietnam

The patients, from Ngoc Lien Commune, developed symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

They were admitted to Ngoc Lac General Hospital, where doctors are providing treatment and monitoring their condition.

Vietnam’s Food Safety Department under the Ministry of Health on Friday issued an urgent directive to the provincial health department and local food safety authorities, ordering a swift investigation into the incident.

Officials stressed the need for intensive care and close monitoring to prevent fatalities.

Hospitals were instructed to seek support from higher-level facilities if necessary.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the poisoning and monitoring for similar cases in the community.

The Ministry of Health also called for stronger public education on food safety, warning against the consumption of wild animals or unfamiliar seafood without clear origin or safe preparation methods.

Local agencies were told to step up inspections of small-scale food businesses and street vendors to ensure only safe products are sold.

The provincial health sector must continue enforcing food safety measures during the Tet holiday, and report updates on the patients’ conditions to the Food Safety Department.