On July 4, Mr. Do Tan Thanh, Deputy Head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department of Gia Lai Province, announced that there was insufficient evidence to confirm that the hospitalization of 19 students from Chi Lang High School was a case of food poisoning. The meal in question took place on June 15 at Chi Lang High School and was served to 400 people, including students studying for exams and school staff. Of the 400 individuals who consumed the food, 19 students experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mild fever.
Analysis of samples from the affected students did not reveal the presence of Salmonella bacteria. Although E.coli bacteria was detected in the pennywort soup sample, it did not surpass allowable limits. Further testing at the Central Highlands Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology did not find any bacteria associated with food poisoning. While some samples tested positive for E.coli, a pathogenic strain could not be isolated, and there was not enough evidence to definitively link it to the students’ symptoms.
Despite initial concerns, the lack of conclusive evidence linking the students’ symptoms to foodborne illness has left authorities unable to definitively determine the cause of the incident. Officials continue to monitor the situation and gather more information to ensure the safety of students and staff at the school.