637 Food Poisoning Cases Reported in 9 Months, HCMC Tightens Supply Chain Oversight
Since early 2026, HCMC has recorded 21 suspected food poisoning cases affecting 637 people, prompting the government to tighten supply chain and distribution controls.
Data from the HCMC Interdisciplinary Steering Committee on Food Safety reveals that from the beginning of the year to September 15, 2026, the city recorded 21 suspected food poisoning incidents. Nine cases were officially confirmed, affecting 637 individuals, with 453 requiring hospitalization; fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The remaining 12 cases are still under investigation.
To mitigate risks, HCMC has monitored food safety conditions at 22 schools and catering facilities. Preventive measures include commitment agreements with 317 food suppliers for schools and the advancement of the 'Safe Food Chain' project, with 80 certificates issued or renewed.
Alongside promoting clean supply chains, enforcement against violations has been intensified. During these nine months, authorities inspected 16,540 establishments, detecting 1,135 violations (6.86%). Fines totaled over 11 billion VND, with 4 establishments suspended. Notably, authorities initiated 26 criminal cases against 60 suspects for producing, trading counterfeit food, and violating food safety regulations.
In his directive, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong ordered officials to increase post-inspection efforts, focusing on wholesale markets, collective kitchens, and online food businesses. Additionally, as of September 1, the HCMC Food Safety Department has taken on the role of state inspection for agricultural food imports, aiming to unify management across production, processing, and distribution.