Latest news with #FiestaLatina
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly botulism outbreak due to broccoli in Italy leaves one dead, nine hospitalized — what to know
A fatal case of suspected botulism has sparked a nationwide broccoli recall in Italy after a man died and nine others were hospitalized following meals from the same food truck. Authorities say the outbreak, traced to broccoli in oil used in sandwiches, has raised urgent food safety concerns and triggered seizures of contaminated products. Local media report that the victim, 52-year-old artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, was on holiday with his family in Calabria when he purchased a broccoli and sausage sandwich from a vendor on the Diamante seafront in Cosenza province. Soon after eating, Di Sarno fell severely ill while driving home and died before reaching the hospital on Thursday. His family, two women in their 40s and two 17-year-olds, also became sick and required emergency treatment at Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza. Medical staff told reporters the patients showed signs consistent with botulism, a rare but potentially deadly illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Two of Di Sarno's relatives were in serious condition upon arrival at the intensive care unit, according to hospital sources. The Paola Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered the seizure of broccoli jars in oil and impounded the food truck linked to the outbreak. An autopsy is being finalized to determine the exact cause of death, but local outlets report botulism is strongly suspected. Second suspected botulism outbreak in Italy The tragedy comes just days after a separate botulism scare in Sardinia, where eight people were hospitalized after consuming guacamole from a Mexican food stand at Fiesta Latina, held in Monserrato between July 22 and 25. Local authorities believe the dip may have been contaminated with the same toxin. To respond to both incidents, health officials have flown in vials of antitoxin serum to treat patients. They said, "No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre." Authorities continue to investigate both outbreaks while urging consumers to avoid eating recalled broccoli products. What is botulism? Botulism is a rare yet dangerous illness caused by a toxin that targets the body's nerves and can lead to life-threatening complications. The toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can develop from contaminated food, infected wounds, or, in infants, when bacterial spores grow in the intestines. Sometimes, botulism can occur when excessive amounts of botulinum toxin are injected for cosmetic or medical purposes. This uncommon type is known as iatrogenic botulism, with 'iatrogenic' referring to a condition caused by medical treatment or examination. The symptoms of foodborne botulism include Trouble swallowing or speaking, dry mouth, facial weakness on both sides of the face, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, and paralysis.
7NEWS
a day ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
One dead and nine others rushed to hospital after eating broccoli prompting urgent recall in Italy
A man has died and nine others have been rushed to hospital after they ate a broccoli and sausage sandwich in Italy, amid a growing outbreak of botulism in the country. Musician Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed after eating the alleged contaminated sandwich from a food truck on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza, Italy. Cosenza is in the Calabria region of the country. Nine others were taken to the intensive care unit of Annunziata Hospital, including two teenagers and two women in their 40s. Two of the patients remain in a very serious condition. Di Sarno's family are among those who have fallen ill, reports The Mirror. All patients have the symptoms of botulism, which is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. 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. An anti-toxin serum used to treat botulism is being distributed across Italy. 'The emergency procedure established in these cases has been activated, which requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the only national centre designated for the management of botulism,' the Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare said. 'No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. 'This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. 'The first two vials, used for the first patients, were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. 'However, as the number of cases increased, additional supplies became necessary. 'Yesterday, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided a 118 aircraft that flew to the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where the ministry had centralised additional vials of the antivenom to facilitate distribution.' A friend of Di Sarno posted a tribute on Facebook. 'Rest in peace my friend and thank you for all your life and culture lessons since I was just a child. I always admired your character and will never forget your noble and kind soul. Watch over your loved ones. Here's who Luigi Di Sarno was,' Gennaro Russo wrote. It comes after eight people became ill with botulism last month in Sardinia, after eating infected guacamole at Fiesta Latina, reported Italian newspaper, La Repubblica. An 11-year-old boy remains in intensive care at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. A woman, 38, reportedly died after she ate a taco with guacamole at the same festival in the Cagliari hinterland.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Guacamole contaminated with paralysing bug leaves eight people sick after attending a festival
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin called Clostridium botulinum, considered to be one of the most lethal substances known to man DIP DISASTER Guacamole contaminated with paralysing bug leaves eight people sick after attending a festival At least eight people have fallen ill and were rushed to hospital in Italy after eating guacamole suspected to be contaminated with botulism. They are thought to have eaten the dip in tacos from a Mexican food stand at Fiesta Latina, a festival held between July 22 and 25 in Monserrato, on the island of Sardinia. 2 At least eight people have fallen sick after eating from a taco stand Credit: Getty 2 Health chiefs believe the tacos contained guacamole that may have been contaminated with Clostridium botulinum Credit: Metro Chef Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin called Clostridium botulinum, considered to be one of the most lethal substances known to man. It can attack the nervous system, leading to breathing issues, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10 per cent of cases, can be deadly. Four of the eight people were rushed to the neurology ward at Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari, Italy's leading news agency, Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), said. Three have been discharged, while a 38-year-old woman's condition deteriorated and she was moved to intensive care. A middle-aged man remains under observation in the neurology ward. Over at the Policlinico of Monserrato, a major hospital in Sardinia, two patients remain in intensive care. A 14-year-old girl is now breathing on her own, but a 62-year-old woman remains on respiratory support. An 11-year-old boy is in very serious condition. He was transferred on last Thursday morning from Brotzu to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he is now in intensive care, local paper L'Unione Sarda said. The most common way to get botulism is by eating food contaminated with the toxin, usually due to improper processing. Based on the information so far, Italian health authorities have pulled the Metro Chef's 'avocado pulp' used to make the guacamole from shelves in Italy, as a precaution. The avocado sauce comes in 1kg plastic bags and is mainly sold to professional food service operators, such as restaurants and food trucks, rather than supermarkets. The batches, imported from Peru, were recalled after the possible presence of botulinum toxin was detected. Five people fighting for their lives in intensive care after eating pesto laced with brain-infecting bug A spokesperson for Metro Chef, said [translated from Italian] : 'The quality and safety of products are, in fact, an absolute priority for Metro. "The company has promptly taken all necessary measures to protect customers' health, alerting them about the incident, in full compliance with current regulations. "Metro is in constant contact with local authorities and will provide updates as soon as they become available. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor's office in Cagliari - the capital of Sardinia - has opened an investigation into the possible botulism outbreak. The organiser of Fiesta Latina has been named a suspect, though no formal notification has yet been made, according to the organiser's lawyer. Samples of the guacamole seized by the police are now being tested at the National Institute of Health in Rome to confirm the presence of the toxin.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Guacamole contaminated with paralysing bug leaves eight people sick after attending a festival
At least eight people have fallen ill and were rushed to hospital in Italy after eating guacamole suspected to be contaminated with botulism. They are thought to have eaten the dip in tacos from a Mexican food stand at Fiesta Latina, a festival held between July 22 and 25 in Monserrato, on the island of Sardinia. 2 2 Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin called Clostridium botulinum, considered to be one of the most lethal substances known to man. It can attack the nervous system, leading to breathing issues, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10 per cent of cases, can be deadly. Four of the eight people were rushed to the neurology ward at Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari, Italy's leading news agency, Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), said. Three have been discharged, while a 38-year-old woman's condition deteriorated and she was moved to intensive care. A middle-aged man remains under observation in the neurology ward. Over at the Policlinico of Monserrato, a major hospital in Sardinia, two patients remain in intensive care. A 14-year-old girl is now breathing on her own, but a 62-year-old woman remains on respiratory support. An 11-year-old boy is in very serious condition. He was transferred on last Thursday morning from Brotzu to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he is now in intensive care, local paper L'Unione Sarda said. The most common way to get botulism is by eating food contaminated with the toxin, usually due to improper processing. Based on the information so far, Italian health authorities have pulled the Metro Chef's 'avocado pulp' used to make the guacamole from shelves in Italy, as a precaution. The avocado sauce comes in 1kg plastic bags and is mainly sold to professional food service operators, such as restaurants and food trucks, rather than supermarkets. The batches, imported from Peru, were recalled after the possible presence of botulinum toxin was detected. Five people fighting for their lives in intensive care after eating pesto laced with brain-infecting bug A spokesperson for Metro, said [translated from Italian] : 'The quality and safety of products are, in fact, an absolute priority for Metro. "The company has promptly taken all necessary measures to protect customers' health, alerting them about the incident, in full compliance with current regulations. "Metro is in constant contact with local authorities and will provide updates as soon as they become available. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor's office in Cagliari - the capital of Sardinia - has opened an investigation into the possible botulism outbreak. The organiser of Fiesta Latina has been named a suspect, though no formal notification has yet been made, according to the organiser's lawyer. Samples of the guacamole seized by the police are now being tested at the National Institute of Health in Rome to confirm the presence of the toxin. 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 usually comes from eating food contaminated with the toxin. This often happens due to improper food processing, such as inadequate canning. Symptoms to watch for: 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
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I visited the world-first Disney music festival right here in Europe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MUSIC festivals usually mean mud-spattered wellies and warm pints of cider, but this weekend I saw some of the world's best-known stars up close and personal without coming into contact with one speck of dirt. By best known, I mean Mickey Mouse, Moana and Cinderella... because I was at Disney's first ever music festival - at Disneyland Paris. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 I went to see the first of its kind Music Festival in Disneyland Paris Credit: Supplied 8 The festival kicked off at the beginning of April and will end on September 7, 2025 Credit: Supplied For five months, Disneyland Paris is putting on its very first music festival, and over the weekend, I was lucky enough to see it in action. Heading up to the bandstand on Main Street, within mere minutes of entering the park I caught my first 'gig' - Minnie Mouse And Her Marching Band singing along to movie hits. The park feels even more magical than usual with so many musical events - there's a whopping 20 hours of festival attractions around the park, from huge performances to small gigs. It even has its own anthem for the occasion, it's called 'Viva La Musique', which translates to 'long live music' on repeat. And be warned, you won't be able to get the catchy tune out of your head. The smaller attractions include Moana and her Musicians, Timon's Matadance, and a Musical Meet-up with Rapunzel and Flynn. There's also Miguel's Fiesta Latina, Donald and Daisy's Accordionist and Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band. These are performed around four times a day, and it's a chance for fans to see their favourite characters up close. For a good view, I'd suggest going around 15 to 20 minutes before the start time. When I headed to see Moana and her Musicians, a crowd gathered very quickly. Disneyland Paris reveals its new immersive night-time show 8 Minnie Mouse leads her Marching Band through Main Street Credit: Supplied 8 Moana and her Musicians perform in Adventureland five times a day Credit: Supplied For anyone with children, they'll be invited to sit at the front and join in with the dancing too. After almost a day of wandering the park, I made sure my next musical event was a seated concert. Over in the Videopolis theatre was the Disney Music Hits Concert. The half-hour show is based around everything from modern hits to timeless classics. A band with guitars, drums, keyboard and a saxophone accompany five incredible singers, who belt out hits from Prince Ali to Into The Unknown, with lyrics sung in a mixture of French and English. To enjoy the show, you don't actually have to sit in the auditorium as the seats above are in the restaurant area, where you still get a great view of the stage, and enjoy a snack at the same time. The main event of the entire festival is The Grand Orchestra Finale and it's a real showstopper. When the day drew to a close, we gathered in the Central Plaza watch an amazing medley of songs. 8 Mickey Mouse leads the orchestra medley in The Grand Orchestra Finale Credit: Supplied Main mouse Mickey conducts the orchestra from outside the castle as performers and characters from around the park all unite for a huge medley. While it did get busy, the characters like Rapunzel, and the singers from the Disney Music Hits Concert use all four stages - so you will get a great view from wherever you are. Chip and Dale circle the Central Plaza on a bus so everyone can see the cheeky chipmunks. A must during the festival is downloading the Disneyland Paris app. Not only can you view ride wait times, but you can add a filter for the Disney Music Festival. Click on that and the entire showtime schedule is on your phone. 8 The Disney Music Hits Concert is performed in French and English Credit: Supplied 8 Miguel brings Coco to life with his Fiesta Latina Credit: Supplied From Timon's Matadance to Miguel's Fiesta Latina, you'll be able to see exactly when the smaller and larger performances are taking place. Along with the festival, you can of course head on the rides and see the famous character parade at 11.30am. There's also the incredible Disney Tales of Magic which is the very last event of the day. The evening show kicks off at 10.40pm and is a spectacular 20-minute show which debuted on January 10, 2025. With a fleet of 1,571 synchronised drones laser projections and fireworks, tales of Disney like Cinderella, Encanto and Lili & Stitch come to life. Even if you're standing further back, it doesn't matter, as the shops along Central Plaza light up, and there's even fake snow. The Disney Music Festival is currently taking place in Disneyland Paris and ends on September 7, 2025. To book tickets and see more information go to Here's an behind the scenes look at the Disneyland Paris expansion with a new Frozen land and Lion King ride. Plus, more on the new Disneyland Paris evening show that makes you feel like you're inside a Disney movie.
