Latest news with #DepartmentofPrevention
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Two people dead in Italy and over a dozen in hospital after botulism outbreak in sandwiches
Authorities have launched an investigation into an outbreak of toxic botulism after the panini were allegedly bought at a food truck near the town of Diamante in Calabria, the southern region that makes up the toe of the Italian boot. Luigi di Sarno, a 52-year-old artist, and Tamara D'Acunto, 45, have been named as the two fatalities. Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out on their bodies this week. Another 14 people came down with food poisoning, including two teenagers, and had to be taken to hospital. The victims all fell ill within 24 to 48 hours of eating the sandwiches. They went to the food truck and bought panini filled with grilled sausages and cime di rapa − or turnip tops − a popular summer vegetable in Italy similar to broccoli. Nine people are being investigated by the authorities, including the owner of the food truck and three employees of the company that allegedly made the sandwiches. Five doctors who treated the victims in two different hospitals near the city of Cosenza are also under investigation. They are accused of not having made their diagnoses quickly enough. Mr Di Sarno's sister said her brother was sent home from hospital despite still feeling unwell, and later died. 'Toxic botulism is highly potent,' said Enrico Di Rosa, the president of the Italian Society of Workplace Hygiene. 'Just a very small amount is enough to cause serious harm, as we have seen.' Investigators have ordered the nationwide seizure of the commercially produced panini. The food truck has also been seized and the products it sold are being analysed. Botulism is a serious illness that is caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves. It can cause muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties and death. It occurs typically in canned, preserved and fermented foods. The owner of the food truck, 33-year-old Giuseppe Santonocito, is said to be 'devastated' by the deaths. It is thought the turnip greens were kept in olive oil in glass jars or containers. 'He is psychologically devastated,' said his lawyer, Francesco Liserre. 'He has worked for around nine years in the food sector and he is well respected. He is convinced that the contamination was already in the products that he served. 'He bought the products at the end of July, he has the receipts to prove it. The containers were opened as and when necessary and the contents would make six or seven panini, so they were used up quickly.' The outbreak in Calabria is the second deadly case of botulism in Italy in just a few days. A 38-year-old woman died in late July after eating tainted guacamole sauce at a festival in Sardinia. Seven other people suffered acute food poisoning. 'Following two major clusters of botulinum intoxication that occurred in recent weeks in Sardinia and Calabria, the Department of Prevention, Research and Health Emergencies of the Ministry of Health immediately activated all the health protocols,' the health ministry said. 'The intervention system reacted promptly, ensuring that patients had timely access to life-saving antidote treatments.'
ITV News
7 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
Man, 52, dies after eating broccoli sandwich in southern Italy
Authorities in southern Italy are responding to a toxic botulism outbreak after one man died and nine others were hospitalised after eating broccoli sandwiches. Artist Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed after eating the sandwich, which was allegedly contaminated, from a food truck in the Cosenza province. Nine others were taken to the intensive care unit of Annunziata Hospital, including two teenagers and two women in their 40s. Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins attack the nervous system and can cause paralysis but can be treated. Following the outbreak in the Cosenza region, officials have ordered the immediate seizure of a commercial product, which is thought to be broccoli in oil. The food truck which sold the sandwiches has also been seized, while an anti-toxin serum used to treat botulism is being distributed across Italy. Maria Rosaria Campitiello, Head of the Department of Prevention, Research, and Health Emergencies said patients were provided with access to "lifesaving antidote treatments". "It should be noted that the foods at risk of botulinum toxin are homemade preserves prepared vacuum-packed, in oil, or in water, and, rarely, industrial products," she said. "This is why it is important to follow the rules for the correct and safe preparation and storage of food." The Poison Control Centre in Pavia is the designated hub to manage the botulism outbreak, including diagnosing the cases. Law enforcement agencies, medical services and the Red Cross are working together to provide treatment. Mr Di Sarno's family spoke to local media, calling for justice. His sister Mena Di Sarno told InterNapoli the 52-year-old was discharged from hospital despite still feeling unwell and dizzy. She said he died on the journey back to the hospital. This outbreak comes after eight people became ill with botulism last month in Sardinia, after eating infected guacamole at Fiesta Latina.
