Botulism Outbreak Linked to Broccoli Recall in Italy
A severe botulism outbreak has led to a widespread recall of broccoli in Italy, following the tragic death of one man and the hospitalization of nine others after consuming a sandwich at a food truck. The incident has raised concerns about food safety and prompted urgent measures from health authorities.
Luigi Di Sarno, a 52-year-old artist and musician from Cercola, in the province of Naples, died on Thursday after eating a broccoli and sausage sandwich from a street vendor on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza. His family members were among those hospitalized with similar symptoms, including two teenagers and two women in their 40s. Two patients were reported to be in critical condition when they arrived at the intensive care unit.
The affected individuals are currently being treated at Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza. All patients exhibit symptoms of botulism, a rare but life-threatening illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This form of poisoning can lead to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure if not treated promptly.
In response to the outbreak, the Paola Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the immediate seizure of a commercial product believed to be jars of broccoli in oil. The food truck involved in the incident has also been seized, and an investigation into the spread of the toxin is underway.
Health officials have taken swift action to address the emergency. Vials of 'antitoxin serum' are being rapidly transported across Italy to treat the affected patients. Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare explained that the emergency procedure requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, which is the only national center designated for managing botulism cases.
The antivenom is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health and stored in secure locations. It is distributed through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. The first two vials used for treatment were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. As more cases emerged, additional supplies became necessary.
To facilitate distribution, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided an 118 aircraft that flew to San Camillo Hospital in Rome. There, the ministry had centralized additional vials of the antivenom. Seven more vials were delivered to the affected region by air ambulance, with one for injection and six as a reserve.
Di Sarno was on holiday in Calabria with his family when he consumed the sandwich. After eating the meal on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza, he began driving back home to Naples. However, he fell ill near Lagonegro in Potenza and later died in the small town of Basilicata before reaching the San Giovanni Hospital in Lagonegro. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, although local media suspect botulism.
This incident comes just days after another botulism outbreak linked to infected guacamole at a festival in Sardinia from July 22 to 24. Eight people reportedly fell ill, with an 11-year-old boy remaining in intensive care at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. A 38-year-old woman who ate a taco with guacamole at a kiosk during the festival also died after her condition worsened in hospital.
The traveling festival, known as Fiesta Latina, was on its way to Tortolì but has now been suspended by local authorities. The Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident. A recall notice issued by the Ministry of Health was reportedly published for Metro Chef avocado pulp due to the possible presence of botulinum toxin.
The Chief Prosecutor, Domenico Fiordalisi, is also investigating other crimes related to the sale of harmful foods and medical liability in handling the case. These events highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the need for vigilant monitoring of potential contamination sources.