E. Coli Outbreak in Saint-Quentin Infects 30 Including 24 Children, 12-Year-Old Girl Dies; Six Butcher Shops Closed, Judicial Probe Underway

Since mid-June 2025, the Aisne department in northern France has experienced a series of severe food poisoning cases caused by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium. The outbreak has affected 30 people, predominantly children, including a 12-year-old girl named Élise who died from the infection. Among the victims, 24 are children and one is an elderly person.

Ten patients remain hospitalized, with some requiring dialysis due to complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome. Authorities have identified contaminated meat from multiple butcher shops in Saint-Quentin as the source of the outbreak. Consequently, six butcher shops, including five halal establishments, and a supermarket meat section have been closed as a precaution. Investigations are ongoing, led by the public health division of the Paris prosecutor's office, focusing on tracing the contamination chain and determining whether the contamination occurred at slaughterhouses or through intermediaries. The prefecture and health officials have confirmed a biological link between the contaminated meat and the infections. Public concern has grown, leading to a decline in meat purchases in the area. Health authorities continue to monitor new cases, with three additional infections reported recently. The outbreak has prompted a judicial inquiry for involuntary homicide, bodily harm, endangerment, and fraud related to hazardous merchandise. The Ministry of Health and local officials have urged vigilance and provided guidance on symptoms and preventive measures amid ongoing testing and analysis.