Food poisoning incident sparks arson investigation

07:49 21/5/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece’s Food Authority (EFET) has announced plans for an inspection at a food production unit in south-central Greece after meals from the facility caused food poisoning in 63 children across seven schools.

The inspection was ordered after reports emerged that strains of Staphylococcus bacteria were found in some distributed meals.

However, the facility, Giannitsis Logistics

S.A., was engulfed in flames on Sunday evening before the inspection could take place.

EFET President Andreas Zampelas confirmed that the planned actions were halted due to the fire, leaving no official report on the meals.

The incident has prompted the supreme court’s chief prosecutor, Georgia Aidilini, to order an investigation into the fire’s cause, with arson being a potential factor. The fire brigade’s swift response with significant resources could not prevent the complete destruction of the unit.

This development adds a layer of complexity to the public health concern, as authorities work to determine the connection, if any, between the food poisoning cases and the subsequent fire at the production facility.

Following the food poisoning incident that affected 63 children from seven schools in Lamia, reports indicate that the children showed symptoms of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. While the exact current condition of the children is not detailed in the latest updates, it was noted that at least 15 children and one teacher sought hospital care due to severe symptoms but were subsequently released after receiving medical advice.

Parents have expressed outrage over the incident, with more than 30 lawsuits filed against the catering company responsible for the school meals.

The community remains in shock as the investigation into the cause of the fire at Giannitsis Logistics S.A., the implicated food production unit, continues, with arson being a suspected factor.

The situation has raised significant public health concerns, and authorities are closely monitoring the recovery of the affected children while also investigating the potential link between the food poisoning cases and the devastating fire.

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