According to the Ministry of Health, in March 2024, there were 6 food poisoning incidents nationwide, poisoning 368 people. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 16 food poisoning incidents nationwide (1 case less than the same period in 2023), poisoning 659 people (nearly 3 times more than the same period in 2023), including 3 deaths (4 cases less than the same period in 2023).

Information about some food poisoning cases that occurred recently has received the attention of many people.

During the long 30/4 - 1/5 holiday, people tend to travel far, party, meet... In the rare hot weather, many people are concerned about food issues, how to prevent food poisoning when traveling...

The 30/4 - 1/5 holiday is long, people often tend to travel.

According to the Ministry of Health, the main causes of food poisoning are favorable weather conditions for the growth of pathogenic bacteria, especially bacteria that cause intestinal diseases, animals and plants containing natural toxins (poisonous mushrooms, insects, trees, wild fruits, seafood, etc.); environmental pollution and lack of clean water for processing and cleaning utensils.

In addition, the process of processing and preserving food ingredients and food is not done properly, along with the lack of awareness of complying with legal regulations on food safety conditions of some food production and processing establishments...

Health experts recommend: When traveling, people need to pay attention to ensuring adequate quantity, quality, hygiene and taste of food; should eat foods that are high in calories, but easy to digest, and foods that have enough fresh vegetables and fruits.

People should proactively drink water, not wait until thirsty to drink, and should drink water containing mineral salts. In addition, people should eat and drink on time to avoid affecting the stomach; do not bring food or bring very little because hot weather can easily cause food to spoil quickly.

To avoid food poisoning and digestive disorders when traveling, people can apply some of the following methods:

Choose restaurants and eateries that are reputable and highly rated on review sites.

Avoid eating raw, undercooked, unknown origin or improperly preserved foods.

In addition, it is advisable to eat food that is fully cooked and served hot. Gradually adjust your taste to local foods.

In particular, do not eat too many new foods at once. Drink bottled water or clean boiled water. Avoid drinking ice water and water from taps or water filters that are not hygienic.

Also, learn about local foods and local specialties, especially those that may irritate the stomach.

To proactively ensure food safety and prevent food poisoning in the coming time, the Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health) has requested local management agencies to proactively deploy measures to ensure food safety, monitor food safety risks, and prevent food poisoning in accordance with the actual situation in the locality, focusing on the period from April to August.

Localities need to pay attention to poisoning caused by poisonous mushrooms in spring and summer, poisoning caused by animals and plants containing natural toxins (especially in provinces/cities in the Northern mountainous region and the Central Highlands). Along with that, pay attention to poisoning caused by aquatic and seafood containing natural toxins such as puffer fish, sea urchins, strange sea snails, especially in coastal provinces and cities.

In addition, the Food Safety Department also requested that the health sector and local authorities strengthen inspection, examination and supervision of food safety; strictly handle and suspend operations of establishments that do not ensure food safety conditions, establishments that do not have a Certificate of food safety eligibility (subject to issuance).