Two butcher shops in northern France have temporarily closed after a child died from food poisoning. Eight children developed severe symptoms after consuming meat products from these two businesses, located in the city of Saint-Quentin. Five of them were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), including a 12-year-old girl.
The cause of contamination remains unclear, but authorities believe that consuming infected meat or meat products may be the source. The shops have been closed for testing and samples are expected to be analyzed early next week. An investigation into where the contaminated meat came from has also begun.
In France, HUS affects between 100 and 165 children each year, according to the public health agency.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-french-butchers-child-dies-food.html