Musician Dies After Consuming Broccoli Sandwich, As Botulism Outbreak Grips Italy: Experts Warn of Symptoms

A deadly botulism outbreak in Italy has claimed the life of a musician after eating a broccoli sandwich. Learn what botulism is, its symptoms and causes, and how to stay safe.

An outbreak of food poisoning in Italy has proved to be an eyewash since it killed 52-year-old musician Luigi Di Sarno after he ate a supposedly contaminated sandwich filled with broccoli and sausage purchased through a street food dealer at Diamante in Calabria. Leading Spanish dancer Di Sarno fell and died on his way to the hospital after collapsing on the way home to Naples with his family. The other nine, including teenagers and family members, had to be hospitalised with similar symptoms; some of them are still in critical condition.

Policymakers have already ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli that is preserved in an oil solution and have shut down the involved food truck. They are currently investigating to find out the exact cause potentially botulism poisoning. The Department of Health in Italy has dispatched botulism antidotes held in central stores to hospitals where they are required, but they are not normally stockpiled at affected facilities.

Understanding the Outbreak and Botulism

Second suspected botulism outbreak in Italy

The fatality comes just days after a separate botulism scare in Sardinia, when eight people were hospitalised after eating guacamole from a Mexican food stall at Fiesta Latina, which took place in Monserrato from July 22 to 25. Local officials fear the dip may have been poisoned 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.”

What is Botulism?

Botulism is a severe disorder with a low incidence that can be fatal due to the production of toxins by Clostridium botulinum. Usually, it occurs under the impact of the consumption of such improperly processed or kept foods like canned food, vacuum-packed products, or vegetables in oil, which is also exactly what happened in this instance.

According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum toxin. Common sources are homemade foods that have been improperly canned, preserved or fermented. Though uncommon, store-bought foods also can be contaminated with botulinum toxin.”

Symptoms of Foodborne Botulism

Symptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin 12 to 36 hours after the toxin gets into your body. But depending on how much toxin you consumed, the start of symptoms may range from a few hours to a few days.

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 stomach cramps
Paralysis

When to See a Doctor?

Seek urgent medical care if you suspect that you have botulism. Initial treatment increases your survival chances and lowers your risk of complications.

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FAQs

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Common symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and trouble speaking. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and breathing difficulties.

What is botulism?

Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can occur from contaminated food, infected wounds, or, rarely, from intestinal bacterial growth.