Suspicion of food poisoning in Gallarate, 31 pupils ill

Following a lunch service at a primary school canteen in Gallarate, Varese province, thirty-one pupils presented with gastrointestinal distress. The observed symptoms, including nausea, emesis, and abdominal discomfort, suggest the possibility of food-borne illness. Emergency medical services were dispatched, and the affected students were transported to local medical facilities, with twelve individuals admitted to the emergency department in Gallarate and nineteen to the emergency department in Busto Arsizio. While no severe complications were reported, some students were placed under observation. Local health authorities implemented the established health protocol, engaging the Health Protection Agency (ATS) Insubria and the NAS Carabinieri. These agencies inspected the culinary center responsible for supplying meals to the school. Food specimens were obtained from the facility. An independent laboratory has been contracted to perform thorough analyses on food samples retained for seventy-two hours. Furthermore, testing is being conducted on the school’s water supply to ascertain the presence of any microbiological contaminants.