Italy – A deadly suspected botulism outbreak in Italy has prompted a nationwide recall of broccoli preserved in oil after a man died and nine others were hospitalized. Health authorities believe the contamination, caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, originated from food served by a seaside food truck in Calabria.
The incident follows a separate botulism scare in Sardinia just days earlier, intensifying concerns over food safety and prompting the urgent distribution of antitoxin serum across the country.
Victim Identified as Artist Luigi Di Sarno
The fatality has been identified as 52-year-old artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, who was vacationing with family in Diamante, Cosenza province. According to local reports, Di Sarno purchased a broccoli and sausage sandwich from a vendor along the seafront.
Shortly after eating, he became violently ill while driving home and died before reaching the hospital on Thursday. His relatives — two women in their 40s and two teenagers — also fell sick and were rushed to Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza, where two were admitted to intensive care.
Medical staff reported symptoms consistent with botulism, including muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, and trouble breathing. The Paola Public Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the seizure of all jars of broccoli in oil linked to the vendor and impounded the food truck. An autopsy is underway to confirm the exact cause of death.
Second Outbreak Reported in Sardinia
The tragedy comes on the heels of another suspected botulism incident in Monserrato, Sardinia, where eight people were hospitalized after eating guacamole from a food stall at the Fiesta Latina festival (July 22–25). Investigators suspect the dip may have carried the same dangerous toxin.
Nationwide Response and Antitoxin Distribution
Italy’s Ministry of Health has moved quickly to supply hospitals with the botulism antitoxin, which is centrally stored and distributed via the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. Officials stressed that no regional or local facilities are permitted to stock the serum, ensuring controlled handling during outbreaks.
Understanding Botulism
Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis or death if untreated. In foodborne cases, symptoms often include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
Other forms of botulism can result from infected wounds or, in rare cases, excessive use of botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic or medical purposes (iatrogenic botulism).
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are urging the public to avoid consuming any recalled broccoli products and remain vigilant for symptoms after eating preserved vegetables or dips purchased from unregulated sources.
Both outbreaks remain under active investigation, with health inspectors working to trace all contaminated items and prevent further cases.
