Thu Ha Bakery in Soc Trang Province, located in southern Vietnam, was levied a VND90 million (US$3,670) fine and a four-month suspension for its role in a food poisoning incident which involved 159 customers in January this year.

A leader of the provincial Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that the chairperson of the provincial administration had signed a decision on the sanction against the bakery, situated at 2 Hai Ba Trung Street in Soc Trang City in the namesake province.

The bakery was also required to cover treatment costs totaling over VND384 million ($15,638) for 153 victims.

According to the decision, the bakery committed administrative violations, including purchasing, processing, and providing food causing food poisoning.

Salmonella spp, a pathogen responsible for severe foodborne infections, was found in cold meats at Thu Ha Bakery.

In late January, 159 people developed symptoms of food poisoning, such as stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, after eating banh mi at Thu Ha Bakery.

Of them, 153 were treated at hospitals in Soc Trang Province, while the six others were treated at home.

A representative from Thu Ha Bakery stated the commitment to adhere to all decisions made by local authorities.

The bakery also expressed willingness to cooperate with the authorities in covering the treatment costs for the victims.

“The incident was unexpected. We have been extremely saddened over the past few days," the representative added.

“We will sort everything out and hope that everyone will understand us."

Banh mi, a type of Vietnamese baguette typically filled with cold meats, pâté, and vegetables, is a popular dish in Vietnam.

Late last year, Banh Mi Phuong, a well-known bakery in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, was fined VND96 million ($3,913) and suspended for three months for causing a food poisoning incident involving over 300 customers.

It was reopened in January this year.

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