2013 meat adulteration scandal
In February 2013, traces of horse meat were detected in Buitoni products in Spain and Italy as a result of the 2013 meat adulteration scandal, and had to be withdrawn.
2022 E. coli scandal
In March 2022, the Prefecture of France's North Department (59) banned production at one of Buitoni's sites in Caudry. Multiple cases of E. coli intoxication reported within children across France, resulting in serious illness and even death in two cases, were linked to the consumption of Buitoni's "Fraîch'Up" frozen pizzas. Sanitary inspections held on 22 March and 29 March by local authorities revealed serious hygiene issues within the factory. Authorities stated the inspections "highlighted a degraded level of food hygiene control in the Caudry plant, which justified the issuance of an order to cease industrial production activities in the plant". Photographs obtained by RMC and testimonial from a former employee of the plant reveals the extent of the neglect of basic hygienic procedures at Caudry production site.
Paris public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Buitoni on the charges of involuntary homicides, deception, and the endangerment of others. As of May 2022, other brands of Buitoni frozen pizzas such as "Bella Napoli" and "Four à Pierre" were identified to be the cause of other E. coli intoxications in France and subsequently recalled from sale.
As of March 30, 2023, the factory that produced the tainted pizza, employing about 200 people, is to be definitively closed.
