USA Today reports that French authorities are investigating two new suspected cases of E. coli linked to hamburger patties that have already sickened seven children. French authorities have ordered a recall of 10 tons of the frozen beef patties produced in France and sold by the German supermarket chain Lidl. Italian authorities confiscated more than 97 tons of “Steaks Country” brand hamburger patties and meatballs that were distributed by Lidl’s Italian branch.
Seven children, between 18 months and 8 years old, have been hospitalized with E. coli linked to the patties in northern France. Doctors at the Lille University Hospital in northern France told a news conference Friday that one of the hospitalized children, a 2-year-old, needs breathing assistance and is being held in an artificial coma.