Ho Chi Minh City has fined South Korean-owned fast food chain Lotteria Vietnam VND146 million (US$6,600) for a mass poisoning case that sent 60 people to hospital last week.

A statement from the city’s health department said many workers at Sonion Vietnam, a Danish company at the city’s Hi-tech Park, started to show food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after lunch on March 12.

Local media reported their meals, including beef, omelet and vegetable soup, were provided by Lotteria. A total of 60 workers had to be rushed to hospitals in District 9 and the neighboring Thu Duc District.

Cong An TPHCMC newspaper said inspectors have found violations at three Lotteria stores, ranging from lack of food safety certificates to inadequate food preservation equipment.