Nébih identifies fecal contamination in school meals after children hospitalized

Eight students and kindergarteners from three Budapest districts and Maglód were hospitalized in late September with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. While tests for common gastrointestinal viruses like adeno-, rota-, and calicivirus were negative in the children, an investigation by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) identified significant issues in the food supply.

Nébih found bacterial counts in meals delivered by a specific catering company that far exceeded permitted levels, including bacteria indicating fecal contamination. Although the same company supplied all affected institutions, a company executive denied responsibility, stating that on-site samples from their own kitchens tested negative.

Following an investigation by the Budapest Government Office, kitchen staff were also screened. A bacterium capable of causing severe vomiting and diarrhea was identified in one employee. The Heim Pál Children's Hospital medical director noted that while viral origins cannot be entirely ruled out, the findings in the food samples are significant.