Vietnam
HANOI -Two Dead, Fifteen Hospitalized After Food Poisoning Incident
A suspected case of food poisoning at a conference center in Hanoi has resulted in two fatalities and fifteen hospitalizations, health officials confirmed Friday. The incident occurred during a corporate seminar hosted by NBC Pacific Co., Ltd., which was attended by 80 participants.
Food safety officials reported that the affected individuals ate both lunch and snacks at the event. Fourteen patients were admitted to medical facilities in Hanoi, split between Bach Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Center and Duc Giang General Hospital, while one patient sought treatment in Nghe An Province.
At Duc Giang General Hospital, medical staff treated a 52-year-old male patient who arrived Thursday evening showing signs of agitation and widespread cyanosis, a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds that occurs when there’s not enough oxygen in the blood.
The patient, who had a pre-existing diabetic condition, was diagnosed with severe metabolic acidosis. Blood tests detected methanol in his system, leading to a coma that required mechanical ventilation.
Bach Mai Hospital received thirteen patients between Thursday night and Friday afternoon. These individuals reported symptoms including nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. While some experienced vomiting and mild fever, none complained of abdominal pain or diarrhea. Hospital officials confirmed these patients’ conditions have stabilized following treatment.
The conference menu featured various dishes including seafood, poultry, and beef preparations, alongside beverages and snacks. Notably, approximately twenty liters of homemade white liquor were brought to the venue by a company driver from neighboring Hung Yen Province. Eight liters were consumed during the event, with the remainder removed from the premises.
In response to the incident, police authorities from both Hanoi and Hung Yen have collected liquor samples for analysis at the National Institute for Food Control. The Ministry of Health has directed the Hanoi Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive investigation, including food origin tracing and sample testing. The facility’s operations have been temporarily suspended pending a review of its food safety compliance.
The patient receiving treatment in Nghe An Province has been reported in stable condition, while the circumstances surrounding the two fatalities remain under investigation.
HO CHI MINH CITY – Food Poisoning Cases Rise in Vietnam
The Vietnamese Ministry of Health reports a year-over-year increase in food poisoning incidents, with seven additional cases and 267 more infections recorded, though fatalities decreased by seven compared to 2023.
Of the 131 documented poisoning cases, natural toxins from mushrooms and fish were identified as primary causes, alongside contamination from microorganisms. A significant incident in Dong Nai province affected 568 individuals who consumed bread contaminated with Salmonella, E.coli, and other harmful bacteria.
Multiple food poisoning outbreaks occurred in communal kitchens across various localities, attributed to both natural microbial and chemical toxins. In response, the Ministry of Health has coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to strengthen food safety protocols.
New measures include enhanced traceability of food ingredients, particularly for chicken, pork, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The initiative emphasizes the use of standard food products from verified suppliers, especially in school kitchens.
United States
HONOLULU – E. coli Detected at U.S. Army Facility
A routine water quality test at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Hawaii has led to the closure of a water well following E. coli contamination, according to the State Department of Health and U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii.
The contamination was initially detected on December 16 when tests revealed total coliform bacteria at TAMC. Further testing on December 19 confirmed the presence of E. coli in Water Well #2, with results verified on December 20 after laboratory analysis. The contaminated sample was collected from the well prior to water treatment processes.
Military officials responded by immediately shutting down Water Well #2 on December 20 and implementing disinfection procedures. The facility will remain non-operational until testing confirms the absence of E. coli. Water Well #1 continues to supply drinking water to the area.
Health officials have advised residents to dispose of any tap water-based items prepared before December 19, including ice, beverages, formula, and uncooked foods. This precautionary measure particularly applies to vulnerable populations in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses.
E. coli, typically associated with human or animal waste contamination, can cause health issues such as diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. Young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face increased health risks from exposure.
The Army and Hawaii Department of Health are conducting a joint investigation to determine the contamination source. Officials note that while the initial contamination was found in the well water, subsequent testing of the distribution system has not detected E. coli, as the water undergoes treatment before reaching consumers.
Hong Kong
HONG KONG – Two Hospitalized from Suspected Puffer Fish Poisoning
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a case of suspected puffer fish poisoning that has left one man in critical condition and another stable at Queen Mary Hospital.
The two men, aged 44 and 50, developed symptoms including weakness in limbs and facial muscles along with breathing difficulties approximately four hours after eating puffer fish they caught themselves on December 19. Both were admitted to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department for treatment.
According to CHP investigators, the men had previously consumed self-caught puffer fish. The health agency attributes the incident to improper handling of the poisonous fish species.
The CHP warns that puffer fish consumption is the primary source of tetrodotoxin poisoning. This potent neurotoxin, which affects the central nervous system, is highly concentrated in the fish’s liver, gonads, and skin. The water-soluble toxin remains stable and active even after cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing processes.
Health officials said that tetrodotoxin poisoning can lead to respiratory and circulatory complications, with potentially fatal outcomes. Currently, no antidote or antitoxin exists to counteract tetrodotoxin exposure.
The CHP has issued a public advisory against purchasing or preparing puffer fish or unidentified fish species to prevent tetrodotoxin-related food poisoning incidents.
India
KOCHI – Mass Food Poisoning Incident at Military Youth Training Camp
Sixty National Cadet Corps (NCC) participants required hospital treatment following a suspected food poisoning outbreak at a training camp in Kerala’s Thrikkakara region. The incident occurred Monday evening during the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) at KMM College.
The incident began around 7 PM when two female cadets reported physical discomfort after dinner. The situation quickly escalated as thirteen more cadets developed similar symptoms, prompting their transfer to a local health center.. As the evening progressed, an additional 47 cadets required medical attention and were taken to the Medical College for outpatient treatment.
The NCC has initiated a formal investigation into the incident. An inquirty committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the mass illness at the camp, which began on December 21.
Health officials have collected food and water samples from the camp kitchen for laboratory analysis to determine the precise cause of the poisoning. Following the incident, many parents arrived at the camp to take their children home.
The training camp, which hosted 513 cadets including 283 boys and 235 girls from various schools and colleges under the 21 Kerala Battalion NCC, has been temporarily suspended. Local police have registered a case against approximately ten external individuals who allegedly caused disturbances at the camp after news of the poisoning spread.
In response to the emergency, NCC officials have announced a two-day suspension of camp activities. The CATC is scheduled to resume operations on December 26, according to the officiating Additional Director General. All affected cadets were discharged from medical care by Monday night.
The incident occurred at one of the NCC’s standard training programs, which typically provide military-style training and character development activities for student cadets across India.
KOCHI – Suspected Food Poisoning at Childcare Center
A suspected water contamination incident at a childcare center in Kochi has led to illness among twelve children, a caregiver, and three parents. The affected individuals experienced symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea on December 19, though the incident was not reported until December 21.
Health officials conducted an inspection of the facility following the report. While the premises was found to be sanitary, tests revealed contamination in the overhead water tank, which had been used for food preparation at the center.
Two separate water samples have been submitted for laboratory analysis – one through city health officials and another through a local primary health center doctor. City officials noted that the delayed reporting occurred as affected families initially believed their cases were isolated incidents.
The childcare center, which remained operational on Friday, will now be closed until after the Christmas vacation period. The facility serves the Ponnurunni East community within the Kochi municipal area.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said “Any business serving food has a duty of care that extends beyond just serving tasty meals – they must maintain strict safety protocols at every step. When they breach this duty, they’re legally liable for any resulting harm, even if they didn’t intend to cause illness.”