Fraîch’Up pizzas will no longer come out of the ovens of the Buitoni factory (Nestlé group) in Caudry in the North, at least for a while. The prefect of the region has banned the manufacture of these pizzas, after the appearance at the end of February of several serious kidney failures and the deaths of children contaminated by the bacterium Escherichia coli, indicated this Wednesday the prefecture of the North, confirming information from the Chained duck. The consumption of these products would be in question, according to the health authorities.
A decision thatfollows two thorough hygiene inspectionscarried out on March 22 and 29 by agents of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) in the North and the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF),as part of their investigations carried out in connection with the E.coli alert“, specified the prefecture. Final report of the inspections: “A degraded level of control of food hygiene was highlighted in the Caudry plant, which justified the issuing of an order for the cessation of industrial production activities in the plant.»
Rodents and lack of cleaning
In its decree, the prefecture deplores “the presence of rodents“in the corridors of the factory and the lack of means of protection”effective and suitable for a food activity» against the entry of pests. He also emphasizes thelack of maintenance and cleaning of manufacturing, storage and passage areas“. And adds that the anomalies found “constitute an important source of microbiological, physical or chemical contamination of foodstuffs handled in the establishment”. Thereby, “they present or are likely to present a danger to the health of consumers“.
Two former employees of the Caudry factory confirmed this Tuesday with Release “lack of hygiene” in the factory. To resume production and lift the order, Buitoni’s operations will have to recover “in compliance with its obligations in terms of food hygiene” and “controls and control of microbiological risks“, continues the prefecture.
The food company said in the aftermath “cooperate closely with the authorities in their investigationto shed light on the origin of the E.coli bacteria. Buitoni affirmed, through the voice of his spokesperson, that he wanted to work “on an action plan and appropriate measures following this prefectural decree“, without giving more details. She then clarified that “safety and qualityare theirtop priorityand expressed his support for the families affected by the situation.
On March 22, an investigation for “manslaughter”, “deception” and “endangering others” was opened in this case, led by the public health department of the Paris prosecutor’s office.