Sixty cadets at Albania’s Security Academy in Sauk were hospitalized with suspected food poisoning this week, marking the second mass illness incident linked to the academy’s catering service in less than two months.

Authorities said the affected cadets experienced symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headaches after consuming dinner at the academy on Wednesday evening. Thirty-one cadets were initially taken to the Infectious Diseases Department at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (QSUT) for medical treatment before being discharged in stable condition.

On Thursday morning, an additional 29 cadets sought medical assistance at the academy’s health center and were subsequently transferred to the same hospital for evaluation and treatment.

According to preliminary information, the cadets had consumed a meal consisting of rice, pasta, beans, salami, sausages, yogurt, milk, and bread. The food was provided by private catering company SORI-AL, which is contracted to supply meals at the academy.

A joint investigation involving Tirana Police, the Police Oversight Agency (AMP), the National Food Authority (AKU), and the Prosecutor’s Office has been launched to determine the cause of the outbreak. Food samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing, while medical analyses of the affected cadets are also underway.

In a statement, SORI-AL denied responsibility for the incident, arguing that food ordered from outside the academy has previously been brought onto the premises and should be considered as part of the investigation.

However, the latest outbreak has renewed scrutiny of the company, which was linked to a similar incident on May 7, when 56 academy students reportedly suffered food poisoning after consuming catered meals supplied by the same provider. Laboratory tests from that case found contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus bacteria, raising concerns over food safety and hygiene standards.

Following the earlier incident, Albania’s National Food Authority temporarily suspended SORI-AL’s operations and imposed a fine of 1.5 million lek (approximately $16,000) for unsafe food practices and inadequate sanitary conditions. The company was later permitted to resume operations.

The Tirana Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the previous case, although no final conclusions have yet been announced.

Authorities said the investigation into the latest incident remains ongoing as officials work to establish the source of the suspected contamination and determine any potential legal responsibility.