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[CRIME] · France · 18 sources

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Aisne butchers indicted following fatal E. coli outbreak

Six butchers, acting as managers or employees, have been placed under formal investigation by the Paris Prosecutor's Office following an E. coli outbreak in the Aisne region. The outbreak, which occurred in June 2025 near Saint-Quentin, resulted in 32 recorded cases and the death of an 11-year-old girl named Élise.

The suspects face multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, involuntary injury, endangering the lives of others, deception posing a risk to human or animal health, receiving stolen goods, and illegal slaughtering outside of approved facilities. Under judicial control, the six individuals are prohibited from working as butchers or butchery employees, with an exception allowing them to work in large-scale retail distribution provided they do not handle unpackaged meat.

Investigations have also linked the contamination to a farm near Saint-Quentin that had reportedly sold approximately 50 sheep for the Eid holiday. Authorities are investigating claims that some animals were slaughtered and processed outside of regulated channels, including in butcher shops and private homes.

Entities

Aisne · CHU d'Amiens · Paris prosecutor's office · Saint-Quentin

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