In a troubling incident during a school trip, over 70 students from Recanati, Italy, suffered from suspected food poisoning while visiting Campania. The event unfolded on March 26, 2025, after the students had dinner at a hotel in Paestum, following a day filled with educational visits to historical sites such as Pompei and the Pertosa caves.
According to reports, the students, teachers, and accompanying drivers began feeling ill shortly after their evening meal. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and strains, prompting immediate medical attention. The local health authority, ASL, and the NAS (the Carabinieri's special unit for food safety) were called in to investigate the causes of the outbreak.
The situation escalated quickly, with emergency health services from 118 responding to the scene during the night between March 26 and March 27. The 'E. Mattei' school maintained constant communication with the families of the affected students, providing updates and support throughout the ordeal. A father of one of the students remarked, "The school managed the situation impeccably, finding a driver and a bus for the emergency in no time." This prompt action ensured that the students' safe return was prioritized.
On March 29, it was reported that eighteen students and three teachers were expected to return home from the trip. These individuals had remained in the hotel for an extra night under medical supervision, as advised by the on-site doctor, to ensure their conditions were stable before traveling.
As investigations continued, officials looked into the potential sources of the food poisoning. Initial assessments indicated that the cause may be linked to either the lunch consumed at a restaurant or the dinner at the hotel. The NAS has been actively collecting samples and conducting tests to determine the exact source of the contamination.
Meanwhile, another alarming case emerged in the province of Salerno, where approximately 30 students from Villaricca, also on a school trip, reported similar symptoms of food poisoning. This incident raised concerns about a possible connection to the same hotel-restaurant in Capaccio Paestum where the Recanati students had dined. The carabinieri and health department personnel were dispatched to investigate, but initial checks of the restaurant's menu showed no issues.
In total, more than 100 students have now been affected by food poisoning in less than 48 hours in the region. Fortunately, none of the students have experienced severe health consequences, and hospitalizations have not been necessary. The health and safety of the students remain a priority as investigations continue.
As the situation unfolds, the local community and families of the students are left grappling with the implications of this unfortunate event. Health officials are urging schools and parents to remain vigilant about food safety, especially during school trips that involve dining at restaurants.
The response from the 'E. Mattei' school has been commendable, as they managed the crisis effectively, ensuring that students received the necessary medical attention and support. The collaboration between the school, health authorities, and families highlights the importance of communication and quick action in times of emergency.
As investigations proceed, the focus will be on ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene and safety standards in restaurants catering to school groups. The health department has pledged to conduct thorough inspections of establishments involved in these incidents to prevent further cases of food poisoning.
In light of these events, parents are advised to be proactive about their children's health during school outings, encouraging schools to prioritize safety measures when planning trips. The community's swift response and cooperation can significantly mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
As the students from Recanati prepare to return home, their families await them with relief, hopeful that the investigations will lead to answers and ensure the safety of future school trips.
