Deadly Banh Mi

A shop selling banh mi and sticky rice in Vung Tau has been fined US$4,910 and shut down for five months following a food poisoning outbreak that affected 342 people. The "Co Ba" bakery, was found guilty of four violations: selling food that caused poisoning in more than five people; operating without a food safety certificate; food handlers failing to wear gloves while preparing cooked food; and violating food safety procedures. The shop owner is also required to cover the medical costs for the affected customers.

The food poisoning incident started on Nov. 26, when several diners who ate the shop’s signature mixed banh mi, containing pork, pâté, pork sausage, and raw vegetables, began experiencing symptoms like stomach pain, high fever, and diarrhea. The number of affected diners rose quickly, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. One man, 71, died later, although the direct cause of death has not been determined. Authorities confirmed that the contamination was caused by Salmonella and E. coli bacteria, which were found in the pork, pâté, and vegetables.