French authorities have stepped up their investigations related to an E. coli outbreak in the country linked to pizzas made by Nestlé.
The latest figures from Santé publique France show 56 cases and two deaths from Buitoni brand Fraîch’Up pizzas.
The Paris prosecutor’s office opened a criminal inquiry into the incident this past week. Charges include the involuntary manslaughter of one person, the injuring of 14 others and marketing a product dangerous to health.
An investigation had already been launched on March 22 and searches of the Nestlé factory in Caudry took place, authorized by the public health department of the Paris prosecutor’s office, on April 13.
A judicial inquiry is led by an investigating judge and was opened at the request of the public prosecutor to carry out such a highly complex investigation.
More than 50 children sick
Of the 56 infections, 54 were caused by E. coli O26 and two by E. coli O103, according to Santé publique France, the country’s public health agency.
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