The Aisne department in France is currently grappling with a serious outbreak of food poisoning linked to the E. coli bacteria, with 30 cases confirmed, including one fatality. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, provided an update on the situation during an interview with RTL, highlighting the severity of the outbreak and the ongoing investigations to trace the source of contamination.

Among the victims, a 11-year-old girl succumbed to hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication associated with E. coli infection. The majority of the cases involve children, with seven individuals still hospitalized. The outbreak has prompted the closure of five butcheries in Saint-Quentin and neighboring areas as a precautionary measure, following the detection of E. coli in these establishments.

Investigations are being conducted on two fronts: an epidemiological inquiry led by Public Health France and the Regional Health Agency of Hauts-de-France, and a judicial investigation overseen by the Paris prosecutor's office. Preliminary findings suggest that the consumption of contaminated meat is the most likely source of the outbreak. This has led to a detailed examination of the meat supply chain, from farming to sale, including slaughtering practices.

The judicial investigation aims to assess compliance with regulatory standards at each stage of the meat supply chain. Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized the importance of adhering to food safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. As the community awaits more precise results expected on July 2, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and preventing further cases of infection.