A MAN has died after taking a fatal bite of a broccoli and sausage sandwich amid a growing botulism outbreak.
Broccoli has now been recalled in Italy after nine others were hospitalised with similar symptoms after eating the same meal from a food truck.
Luigi Di Sarno, 52, died on Thursday after eating the sandwich from a street vendor on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza.
Di Sarno’s family also fell ill as they were all rushed to Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza including two 17-year-olds and two women in their 40s.
Two of the patients were reportedly in a serious condition when they arrived at the intensive care unit.
They were all showing signs of botulism linked to the popular green vegetable.
Botulism is a rare condition which can often be life-threatening and is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
It can attack the nervous system, leading to breathing issues, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10 per cent of cases, can be deadly.
The most common way to get botulism is by eating food contaminated with the toxin, usually due to improper processing.
The Paola Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately ordered the seizure of jars of broccoli in oil, according to local media.
The food truck where the sandwiches were made has also been seized with an investigation launched into the spread of the toxin.
Di Sarno was on holiday in Calabria with his family when they all stopped off for a bite to eat on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza.
After finishing the meal, the artist and musician was driving his loved ones back home to Cercola, in the province of Naples.
As they merged onto the highway near Lagonegro in Potenza, the 52-year-old suddenly fell ill.
His health rapidly worsened after he was forced to stop in the small town in Basilicata on Thursday.
Emergency officials were called but he tragically died before reaching hospital.
His family, alongside several other customers who ate the broccoli, received immediate care in Cosenza.
An autopsy is being finalised to determine the exact cause of death.
Local media suspect it was botulism due to the swift actions taken in seizing the jars.
It comes just days after eight people fell ill and were rushed to hospital after eating guacamole suspected to be contaminated with botulism.
The victims are believed to have consumed the dip in tacos from aMexican food stand at Fiesta Latina, a festival that took place from July 22 to 25 in Monserrato, on the island of Sardinia, Italy.
These two cases have caused local authorities to fly in vials of “antitoxin serum” to treat botulism cases.
Calabria Region’s Department of Health and Welfare stated: “The emergency procedure established for these situations has been activated, which demands immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the sole national center assigned for the management of botulism.”
“No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities.
“This serum is solely available to the Ministry of Health, which keeps it in designated secure locations and distributes it only via the Lombardy Poison Control Centre.”
Botulism: Everything you need to know
What Is It?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
It affects the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties.
How is it contracted?
The illness typically results from consuming food contaminated with the toxin. This often occurs due to improper food processing, like inadequate canning.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Double vision
- Difficulty swallowing
How serious is it?
Botulism can be life-threatening. In severe cases, it can cause death, with around 10 per cent of cases being fatal if not treated promptly.
Treatment:
If you think you are suffering from botulism poisoning, medical attention is crucial.
Treatment typically involves antitoxins and supportive care, including breathing assistance if necessary.
Prevention:
Ensure proper food processing and handling. Avoid consuming home-canned foods if you’re unsure about their safety
