Vietnam has reported 132 food poisoning cases this year, affecting 4,700 people including 41 deaths, the General Statistics Office said. In November, the country recorded six cases with 123 affected locals in five provinces of Phu Yen, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, Thai Binh, Ben Tre and Can Tho city. The Ministry of Health has set up inspection groups to supervise food safety nationwide ahead the Lunar New Year 2011 or Tet holiday. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the Southeast Asian country loses VND340 billion ($17.44 million) from food poisonings yearly. (GSO Dec Edition)
