Free beverage testing samples distributed in front of school gates in Nghe An

On the afternoon of March 18, Mr. Hoang Quoc Son - Deputy Head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department said that the unit had just completed taking samples of the free water bottles distributed at Quang Trung Primary School and sending them to the National Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene Testing. "We will send them tonight, and it is expected that we will have the results in 7-10 days," said Mr. Son.

For food samples kept at the school on March 16, afterNghe An Newspaper reflects, early afternoon March 17, the monitoring team of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department came to Quang Trung Primary School but the food samples had been stored for more than 24 hours. Therefore, the investigation and monitoring team did not collect food samples stored at the school for testing. (On March 17, which was Wednesday, the school did not organize lunch because students only attended one morning session).

For the water bottle sample labeled Goodmood Real Orange Extract Drink, Manufacturing date: 020321 A14, Expiry date: 021221 22B manufactured by Suntorry Pepsico Vietnam Beverage Company Limited, address: Sheraton Building, No. 88, Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

The company confirmed that the free drinks were for brand promotion purposes. Photo: CA

Meanwhile, regarding the free water bottles, the Investigation Team took 1 sample (of 21 intact bottles) and divided it into 3 parts. Of which, 1 part was kept by the Quang Trung Ward People's Committee and 2 parts were sent by the Food Safety and Hygiene Department for testing to determine the cause. Stored at the Food Safety and Hygiene Department at room temperature.

In addition, the Team also received 8 half-drinkable water bottles sealed by the Quang Trung Ward People's Committee (samples were stored at room temperature) to send for testing to determine the cause. At the Food Safety and Hygiene Department, the samples were stored at cold temperatures according to the manufacturer's requirements stated on the label.

According to the investigation report, during the work, the school also presented full certificates of food safety training, health certificates of the owner of the facility and the person directly in contact with food; There is a food supply contract according to regulations; There is a 3-step food inspection book and a food sample storage book according to regulations. The school uses the city's tap water through a filtration system and has been tested with satisfactory results to process food and give it to students and staff in the school to drink directly. The areas are arranged reasonably, ensuring cleanliness. Equipment, tools for processing, preserving, and storing food are fully equipped, ensuring cleanliness. All food ingredients for the boarding meals on March 16, 2021 have clear contracts...

183 bottles of water at Quang Trung Primary School: Photo: Tien Hung

The investigation team concluded that it is possible that the children drank too much water at one time, leading to symptoms of bloating and vomiting. "Through the initial investigation, it is currently suspected that the children had digestive disorders due to drinking too much water at one time. However, to have a final conclusion, we need to wait for the test results of the Goodmood Real Orange Extract Drink to determine the cause of the incident," said Mr. Son.

Meanwhile, speaking to Nghe An Newspaper reporters, Suntorry Pepsico Vietnam Beverage Company Limited said: “We have received information about the incident that took place in Nghe An. We are currently coordinating with relevant authorities to clarify the incident with relevant parties.”