Investigation and handling of suspected food poisoning case in Ha Giang

On September 17, the Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health) sent an official dispatch to the Department of Health of Ha Giang province regarding the investigation and handling of suspected food poisoning cases.

The dispatch stated: The Food Safety Department received information reflecting on a suspected food poisoning incident that occurred at the Xin Man District Boarding Secondary and High School for Ethnic Minorities (Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province), in which about 55 students showed symptoms of stomachache, nausea and dizziness after eating food at the Mid-Autumn Festival party held at the school.

Leaders of Xin Man District People's Committee visited and encouraged students being treated at the district General Hospital. (Photo: Xin Man District Portal)

In light of the above situation, the Food Safety Department has requested the Ha Giang Provincial Department of Health to temporarily suspend the operation of food suppliers suspected of causing food poisoning. Organize investigations and trace the origin of food to clearly identify the source of raw materials and food for processing facilities suspected of causing poisoning; collect food and specimen samples for testing to find the cause; detect and strictly handle violations of food safety regulations (if any) and publicize the results to promptly warn the community.

In addition, the Food Safety Department also requested the Ha Giang Provincial Department of Health to strengthen propaganda and guidance for collective kitchens and food service establishments to ensure hygiene and food safety conditions, strictly implement the management of food ingredients, 3-step food inspection, food sample storage and hygiene in processing stages.

At the same time, strictly implement the contents of Official Dispatch No. 2487/BYT-ATTP dated May 11, 2024 and Official Dispatch No. 3113/BYT-ATTP dated June 7, 2024 of the Ministry of Health on preventing and handling food poisoning and strengthening food poisoning prevention.

The students' health is gradually stabilizing.

According to information from the Ha Giang Department of Health, as of the morning of September 17, the health of 55 students of Xin Man District Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities who were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning is stable. 17 students have been discharged from the hospital and are continuing to be monitored at school.

The report of Xin Man District Medical Center stated: At about 7:30 p.m. on September 15, at Xin Man District Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, a group of 300 middle school students organized a Mid-Autumn Festival. About 15 minutes after finishing eating, some students felt nauseous, had weak limbs, felt dizzy, had headaches, and had abdominal pain around the navel.

From 10:45 p.m. on September 15 to 0:15 a.m. on September 16, 55 students were taken to the hospital by their teachers for examination and treatment with a suspected diagnosis of food poisoning. They were given IV fluids, induced vomiting, treated for symptoms of nausea and anxiety, and ordered to have tests done. The food eaten at the Mid-Autumn Festival included: lemon tea, kumquats, apples, pears, watermelon, pineapple, moon cakes, candy, and milk. The students who had to be hospitalized for examination and treatment are studying in classes from grade 6 to grade 9 at Xin Man District Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities.

According to the leader of the Ha Giang Department of Health, immediately after receiving the information, the Department directed the Food Safety and Hygiene Department to coordinate with the Medical Center, Xin Man District General Hospital and relevant agencies to investigate, verify information, seal moon cake products, investigate the cause of poisoning, and take food samples according to regulations.

As of the morning of September 17, of the 55 students hospitalized, 29 showed signs of poisoning, 17 students were discharged from the hospital and continued to be monitored at school, the rest had digestive disorders. In general, the health of the students suspected of food poisoning in Xin Man district is gradually stabilizing, with a good prognosis. Symptoms are all decreasing, students are all alert, responsive, and vital signs are normal./.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/thoi-su/dieu-tra-xu-ly-vu-nghi-ngo-doc-thuc-pham-o-ha-giang-678139.html