Italian school children fall ill due to Salmonella outbreak
A large outbreak of Salmonella cases in Italy has led to more than 200 children falling ill, with 26 hospitalised.
A total of 224 children who used canteens served by the school catering company Qualità&Servizi were affected. After an investigation into the outbreak source, farro with pomodoro (cherry) tomatoes and pesto provided by the company in September contained traces of the infection.
On top of the 61 cases in nurseries, 51 in kindergartens, 106 in primary schools and four in secondary within the province of Florence in Northern Italy, 21 Qualità&Servizi operators also tested positive for the infection but were mostly asymptomatic.
After reports of children falling ill, the Tuscany Local Health Unit (USL) reported that they were in the process of identifying the outbreak's origin. The USL carried out 25 tests on food and drink products, with only the Farro sample testing positive for Salmonella.
Qualità&Servizi temporarily suspended services on 27 September as a precaution while investigations took place. The company released a statement saying that they are working with the relevant bodies to understand the situation. However, after the USL explained that no non-conformities were found that would require further suspension, Qualità&Servizi restarted their canteen service.
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Glad for the canteen they were able to resume business.
Interesting that root cause could not be determined though. Hopefully the investigation is continuing to determine the cause and how to mitigate it from occurring again.