Children in France fall ill after consuming meat, reporting a chain of health issues.
A severe diarrhea outbreak in the northern French city of Saint-Quentin, affecting 29 children and resulting in one fatality, has been traced back to contaminated meat products from several local butcher shops.
The outbreak, which began around June 12, 2025, has caused great concern in the city, prompting the closure of six butcher shops in the affected area while investigations and biological analyses are ongoing.
At least 22 children were hospitalized with severe digestive symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, and a 12-year-old girl tragically died from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare and serious condition caused by certain E. coli strains that can lead to acute kidney failure.
Authorities have ruled out common sources like local tap water and indicated that families sourced food from various places, complicating the identification of contamination origin. However, food inspectors are focusing on contaminated meat as the probable source. They have collected meat, marinades, and spices from the butchers for testing.
The Pasteur Institute in Paris conducted analyses that led to the discovery of the contaminated meat, with the cause identified as Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The investigation is still active, with test results pending to confirm the exact bacterial strain and contamination source.
In the meantime, precautionary measures such as temporary closure of butcher shops and public health warnings remain in place. Those who still have frozen meat from one of the butcher shops at home have been advised to dispose of it and thoroughly clean their refrigerator. Parents in Saint-Quentin have been urged to call emergency services if their children experience severe diarrhea.
The prefecture in Saint-Quentin has confirmed the findings and set up a crisis hotline to address concerns and provide updates. Health officials have also advised the public to maintain strict food hygiene, including thorough cooking of meat, handwashing, and washing produce to prevent further cases.
The city of Saint-Quentin, with a population of 53,000, is working closely with health authorities to manage the situation and ensure the safety of its residents. The investigations into all affected butcher shops are ongoing, with results to be transmitted to the public prosecutor's office in Paris.
[1] Le Monde, "Le contamination de la viande est à l'origine d'un épisode de diarrhée sévère dans le Nord de la France," 15 June 2025. [2] FranceInfo, "Un épisode de diarrhée sévère dans le Nord de la France : des milliers de tests réalisés," 16 June 2025. [3] BFMTV, "Diarrhée sévère en Hauts-de-France : un enfant décède et 22 autres sont hospitalisés," 14 June 2025. [4] AFP, "Un enfant décède à Saint-Quentin dans un épisode de diarrhée sévère en Hauts-de-France," 15 June 2025.
- The investigations into the severe diarrhea outbreak in Saint-Quentin are focusing on the role of contaminated meat products not only as a source of illness but also in relation to mental health, as parents of affected children experience anxiety and concern.
- In addition to the closure of local butcher shops and public health warnings, health officials are emphasizing the importance of nutrition in preventing further cases. They advise maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins for overall health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise.
- The outbreak has prompted renewed interest in mental health services for the affected children and their families, with social workers and psychologists on hand to provide counseling and support. This focus on mental health is important to ensure a holistic approach to recovery, both physically and emotionally.
