Over 220 workers have been hospitalized for suspected food poisoning after consuming meals provided by the local labor federation to employees at the Taiwanese-owned Bo Hsing Enterprise Co. Ltd in Vinh Long Province, southern Vietnam on Wednesday morning, according to local health authorities.

By 9:00 am on Wednesday, a total of 223 Bo Hsing workers had been hospitalized after experiencing symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, suspected to be caused by food poisoning, according to the provincial Department of Health.

The affected workers were first taken to various health facilities, including Vinh Long Province General Hospital, for treatment on Monday evening after consuming a 'trade union meal' provided at the company at noon the same day.

This special lunch, offered to nearly 1,500 Bo Hsing employees, was more expensive than the typical meals provided to workers, with each portion costing about VND50,000 (US$2) owing to the inclusion of fortified foods.

Tran Van Trach, chairman of the provincial Labor Federation, explained that while the federation covered the cost of the fortified foods, the meal itself was sourced by the company and included fruits, milk, and other snacks.

The agency is currently working with the company to support the affected workers, some of whom were discharged on Wednesday morning after receiving treatment and care, Trach added.

Under the health department's direction, the provincial Sub-Department of Food Safety and Hygiene has collected samples of all foods and beverages related to the incident for testing to determine the cause.

Bo Hsing Enterprise Co. Ltd. is a 100-percent Taiwanese-invested business specializing in the production and processing of garment products for export, according to the Vinh Long Province Portal.

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