Fifty-six students from Albania’s Police Academy sought treatment at the infectious diseases service after showing symptoms consistent with food poisoning, authorities said, amid suspicions that contaminated food consumed on the academy’s premises may have caused the incident.

The National Food Authority (AKU) carried out inspections both at the academy and at the facility where the meals were prepared, collecting food samples for laboratory analysis, including products served during breakfast.

Authorities said the same catering company that supplies food to the Police Academy also provides meals to the “Shefqet Ndroqi” hospital.

Water samples have also been sent for testing, while investigators suspect the poisoning may have occurred after lunch consumption. The analyses were forwarded to the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (ISUV), with official results still pending.

According to officials, AKU inspectors conducted checks at both the food production site and the Police Academy from 7:30 p.m. Wednesday until 5:30 a.m. Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has raised concerns over food safety standards and oversight procedures at public institutions in Albania, while authorities continue efforts to determine the exact source of the suspected contamination.