Botulism outbreak update

Health authorities report two botulism deaths and multiple hospitalizations linked to broccoli, triggering nationwide recalls.

Botulism outbreak in Italy claims two lives linked to broccoli

A woman, Tamara D'Acunto, 45, died after eating a panini from a food truck in southwest Italy. The death is the second tied to the outbreak after artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed last week in the Diamante seafront area of the province of Cosenza. Eight others were rushed to hospital, including Di Sarno's family. Broccoli has been recalled across Italy and the food truck where the sandwiches were made has been seized. The outbreak is linked to botulism toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, prompting a national health response and recalls.

Health authorities say the emergency procedure has been activated. The Paola Public Prosecutor's Office has demanded an immediate seizure of a commercial product as Calabria Region's Health Department coordinates with the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the country’s designated center for botulism management. The Lombardy Poison Control Centre distributes antivenom when needed, with the first vials sent from Taranto and additional supplies moved as cases rise. A 118 aircraft reportedly delivered more vials to San Camillo Hospital in Rome to support treatment efforts.

This episode exposes how a single contaminated item can trigger a nationwide health scare. Street food, a beloved convenience, becomes a flashpoint for safety gaps in supply chains, inspection routines, and emergency readiness. Authorities must balance swift action with clear communication to prevent panic and maintain public trust.

The incident also highlights how specialized medical resources, like botulism antitoxin, are organized at the national level. Centralized stockpiles and rapid distribution are essential in a sudden outbreak, but they rely on steady funding and cross regional cooperation. Policymakers should consider strengthening routine checks for portable food vendors and building faster, transparent channels to inform the public about risks and remedies.

Highlights

The lesson is simple: safety checks protect the meals that feed us.