Dak Lak: Authorities investigate catering facility after reports of maggots found in food at a housewarming party

Public concern has risen in Dak Lak province following reports of maggots found in chicken served at a recent housewarming party. Following the viral circulation of images on social media, the People's Committee of Ea Ktur commune immediately formed an inspection team to work directly with the catering establishment owned by Ms. H'Mai Byă in Jũng A village, Ea Ktur commune.

During the session with the authorities, Ms. H'Mai Byă confirmed that her facility provided catering services for the event on July 27. Regarding the source of the ingredients, the owner stated that all chicken was purchased on the afternoon of July 26 at a stall in Trung Hoa market, Ea Ktur commune, and was processed immediately following standard procedures.

Ms. H'Mai stated: 'While serving the party, a guest pointed out what appeared to be maggots in the chicken dish. Although I could not verify it clearly due to poor eyesight, I immediately apologized to the customer and replaced the dish.' Following the incident, she proactively contacted the hosts to monitor the health of the guests.

Mr. Nguyen Tat Hai, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Ea Ktur commune, stated that initial inspections revealed the facility holds a business registration certificate but lacks a certificate of food safety eligibility as required by law. Currently, the local authorities have not received any reports of food poisoning or hospitalizations related to the event.

The inspection team found no irregular signs in the current on-site processing procedures. However, the precise cause of the controversial images remains under investigation. Mr. Y Ngon Nie, Chairman of the Ea Ktur Commune People's Committee, affirmed: 'Based on the investigation results, the local authorities will handle the case strictly in accordance with the law.'