‘Food sample that hospitalized 19 students tests negative for Salmonella bacteria’

Authorities have determined that food samples and swabs from 19 students hospitalized after a meal did not contain Salmonella bacteria. Mr. Do Tan Thanh, Deputy Head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department of Gia Lai Province, stated that there was not enough evidence to conclude that the incident at Chi Lang High School was a case of food poisoning. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not made a final determination.

On June 15, Chi Lang High School held a meal in the collective kitchen for 400 people, including students studying for exams, teachers, staff, and workers. The meal consisted of various dishes throughout the day. Students are also allowed to bring food from home on weekends. Out of the 400 people who ate the food, 19 students experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mild fever. However, laboratory tests did not detect Salmonella bacteria in the samples.

The samples sent for testing showed a presence of E.coli bacteria in the pennywort soup, exceeding allowable limits. Still, it was not enough to identify the pathogenic strain responsible for the illness. Hoang Anh Gia Lai University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital reported that the students were infected with E.coli bacteria, but the symptoms did not match those caused by the pathogenic strain. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the students’ illness.