Rising Foodborne Illnesses in France Amid European Increase in 2024

Foodborne illnesses remain a significant health concern in France and across Europe in 2025, with reports indicating a marked rise in cases. The European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control revealed a 19.7% increase in foodborne infections across the EU and the UK in 2024 compared to the previous year, totaling over 62,000 cases. Hospitalizations increased by 15.2%, although deaths decreased by 18.5% to fifty-three.

In France, outbreaks continue to affect communities. For instance, a recent gastroenteritis outbreak impacted hundreds of students at Jules-Verne College in Soler, Pyrénées-Orientales, suspected to be caused by a viral infection. More grimly, a June E. coli outbreak in Saint-Quentin (Aisne) resulted in about thirty infections from contaminated meat and tragically claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl.

Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria contribute heavily to foodborne diseases, causing symptoms ranging from fever and vomiting to severe dehydration.

Concurrently, regulatory vigilance continues with inspections of food retailers, exemplified by recent audits at 22 Lidl supermarkets in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. These inspections confirmed compliance with product origin and pricing regulations, though minor price display issues were swiftly corrected. Investigations are ongoing regarding discrepancies in Lidl’s claims about the origin of fresh meats.

Authorities emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and strict food safety practices amid these developments to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.