Frozen pizzas contaminated with EHEC lead to 75 illnesses and 2 deaths in France
Apr 22, 2022 - Foods
Frozen pizzas contaminated with EHEC lead to 75 illnesses and 2 deaths in France
In early May 2011, there was a significant increase in diarrheal diseases, primarily in northern Germany, the cause of which was initially unclear. Thousands fell ill at the time, and a total of 53 people died. Later, sprouts contaminated with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) were identified as the cause. EHEC refers to Shiga- or Verotoxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria (STEC/VTEC). Shiga and verotoxins are potent cell toxins that can cause severe illnesses in humans. This can lead to partially bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can result in kidney failure. Especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems, severe complications can occur, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), it is fatal in 10% of cases, and in other cases, it can cause permanent kidney damage.
In early April this year, a scandal was reported again in France in connection with which 75 children fell ill, and 2 children even lost their lives. By now, the cause of the food poisoning has been identified as the consumption of frozen pizzas contaminated with E. coli. The company recalled all pizzas purchased before March 18 and advised against consuming them. The two production sites in Caudry in northern France were temporarily closed, and the sale of the products was stopped.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly perform testing for Shiga- or Verotoxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria (STEC/VTEC). We provide you with fast and reliable results.
If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.
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