An emergency health crisis unfolded at the Security Academy in Tirana, where 56 students were rushed to the hospital after consuming contaminated food. The incident has led to multiple arrests and a sweeping investigation into the private catering company responsible for the academy’s meals.
The students presented at the Infectious Diseases Department (QSUT) showing acute symptoms of poisoning. While 54 students were treated and discharged, two were briefly hospitalized for more intensive care. By Thursday morning, authorities confirmed that all affected students are in stable condition.
Criminal Charges and Arrests
Following a rapid investigation by Police Commissariat No. 1 and the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office, significant legal actions have been taken against the catering company, identified as “SORI-AL”.
- Arrested: The company’s chef (K. B., 52) and a food technologist (K. P., 23) were arrested in flagrante delicto.
- Wanted: The company’s administrator, Alma Tafani (52), has been declared wanted by the police.
- Prosecuted: A second food technologist (R. Ç., 35) is being prosecuted while remaining free.
They face charges for the criminal offense of “Importing, producing, selling, and storing food dangerous to human health or life.”
The Investigation: AKU Findings
The National Food Authority (AKU) conducted an overnight inspection at the Academy and the production facility located at the “Skënderbej” garrison.
- Seizures: Authorities blocked 155 kg of food products and 1,350 eggs found on-site.
- Sampling: Samples of pilaf, pasta, beans, sausage, and yogurt were sent to the ISUV laboratory for microbiological analysis.
- Fines: The company was hit with an administrative fine of 100,000 lek due to a lack of a functional food traceability system.
Wider Implications
The company SORI-AL is a major contractor for the Albanian state, holding multi-million lek contracts to provide catering for several high-security and public institutions, including:
- The State Police and military units (Zall-Herr).
- Major hospitals: QSUT, Trauma Hospital, Shefqet Ndroqi, and the “Queen Geraldine” Maternity Hospital.
The incident has raised urgent questions regarding the oversight of food safety standards in public institutions and the vetting process for private contractors handling large-scale food distribution.
