Confirmed cases of food poisoning among children in Aisne increased by two on Thursday evening
A Food Poisoning Crisis in Aisne: The Inquiry Deepens
June 26, 2025, saw a chilling escalation in the unfolding food poisoning saga that's been sweeping through Aisne. In a joint statement with the ARS of Hauts-de-France, the prefecture revealed two more instances of children being poisoned[1]. Since June 12, the town's been gripped by fear as 25 cases have surfaced, touching 24 kids and an elderly individual[1]. As of the evening on the 26th, ten victims remain hospitalized due to the Escherichia coli bacterium (E. coli)[1].
On June 16, an 11-year-old girl lost her battle against the disease[1]. The prefect of Aisne has stated that the primary source of contamination likely stems from the consumption of meat, and the school catering system hasn't been implicated in any recorded cases[1]. In response, authorities have shut down since last week four halal butcheries and two counterparts in supermarkets within the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area[1].
As the crisis intensifies, the Paris prosecutor's office has taken the reins on the investigation[2]. On June 21, they commenced a preliminary investigation for involuntary homicide, injuries, endangerment, and aggravated deception of public health[2]. Junior prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on June 25, 2025, that the Paris prosecutor's office would steer the investigation due to the increased number of victims and the intricacies of the forthcoming probes[2].
The Paris prosecutor's office investigation aims to uncover criminal negligence or safety breaches in food handling and distribution that may have contributed to this widespread outbreak[2]. This inquiry runs parallel to the ongoing health investigation into the outbreak, which started on or around June 12, 2025[2].
To date, the investigation has revealed several key points[2]:
- The majority of victims have been children aged 1-12, exhibiting severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea and cases of hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)[3][4][5].
- A 12-year-old girl sadly passed away from the condition, and seven other children have been hospitalized[3][4][5].
- French food safety inspectors have identified E. coli as the culprit and launched prompt investigations, temporarily shutting down certain butcher shops in Saint-Quentin and seizing meats, marinades, and spices for lab testing[1][5].
- Despite these extensive efforts, no definitive common food source has been found among the affected children, who didn't share meals or shopping locations. The possibility of tap water contamination has been ruled out, leading investigators to scrutinize meat handling and supply chain oversight[5].
- The ongoing investigation now includes bacterial strain analysis to determine whether a single contaminated food supplier may have impacted multiple outlets, as well as detailed analyses of the children's food consumption histories[5].
The Paris prosecutor's office investigation focuses on rooting out potential safety violations in the food industry that may have spun this crisis out of control. The prosecutors are working hand-in-hand with health authorities to shed light on this ongoing crisis and prioritize the safety of Aisne's residents[2].
- The joint investigation by the authorities and the ARS of Hauts-de-France, concerning the food poisoning crisis in Aisne, includes an analysis of the French food safety regulations in the health-and-wellness sector.
- The general-news coverage of the food poisoning crisis in Aisne has extended to the mental-health implications of the crisis on the victims and their families.
- The Paris prosecutor's office is not only investigating the criminal aspects of the food poisoning crisis in Aisne but also the role of nutrition in the spread and severity of the E. coli bacterium.
- The food-and-drink industry in Aisne faces increased scrutiny for potential safety breaches as a result of the ongoing crime-and-justice investigation into food handling and distribution in relation to the food poisoning crisis.
