Fried rice dish suspected of causing food poisoning in 63 students in Vietnam’s Ca Mau

Yangzhou fried rice is a classic Chinese-style wok-fried rice dish featuring shrimp, eggs and vegetables.

The report said the incident occurred at Nhuy Cam Elementary School in Vinh Loc Commune and was classified as an acute mass food poisoning case that developed over a short period, associated with a school breakfast meal.

Epidemiological evidence indicated that the fried rice dish had the highest likelihood of being the cause, as students who consumed it showed a significantly higher rate of illness than others.

However, authorities have not been able to confirm the exact cause due to the absence of leftover food samples, retained samples and clinical specimens.

The food safety agency said the incident may be linked to unsafe food handling practices. Food preparation and storage conditions at the supplying facilities reportedly did not meet hygiene standards, with ingredients left at ambient temperature for extended periods, allowing harmful microorganisms and toxins to develop.

Earlier, on the morning of April 24, the Women's Union of Vinh Loc Commune provided 390 free meal portions to students at Nhuy Cam Elementary School. The meals included fried rice, roasted pork banh mi, fried buns, mixed noodles and savory sticky rice.

A total of 378 students consumed the meals.

After eating, 63 students developed symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches, and were admitted to Hong Dan General Hospital for treatment.

By April 27, 61 students had been discharged, while two remained under observation.

Inspections found that food suppliers were mostly small-scale operations lacking full compliance with food safety regulations.

The school also failed to implement proper inspection and sample retention procedures for externally supplied meals.

Authorities ordered the suspension of meal supply activities from the facilities involved and recommended strengthening food safety inspections and supervision, particularly for charitable meal distribution programs.