Regional health authorities in France have reported seven probable cases of foodborne botulism, with an additional case under investigation. Among those affected, an American individual is believed to be included, raising concerns about the safety of the food supply.
The Nouvelle Aquitaine Regional Health Authority (ARS) has disclosed that six individuals are currently receiving treatment at Bordeaux University Hospital, exhibiting various neurological and digestive symptoms. In an effort to counteract the effects of botulism, these patients will be administered antitoxins.
Most of the affected individuals are of foreign nationality, comprising an American, a Canadian, and a German. All of them had frequented the same establishment in Bordeaux, known as the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar, within the past week.
The initial suspicion points towards canned sardines, which were reportedly prepared at the restaurant owner’s residence, as the potential source of contamination.
Given the incubation period and the severe nature of botulism symptoms, health authorities have issued a stern warning to individuals who recently visited the bar, urging them to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any symptoms associated with botulinum poisoning.
Botulinum poisoning, a rare but life-threatening condition, is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Symptoms of foodborne botulism typically manifest between 18 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food, although they may appear as soon as six hours or up to 10 days later. Common symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, paralysis, a sensation of a thick tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.
To ascertain the presence of botulinum toxins and other potential issues, authorities in Gironde conducted investigations at the site and collected 10 samples for analysis. The analysis will be conducted by l’Institut Pasteur, with results expected in the coming days.
Furthermore, the authorities have instructed the establishment to limit its services to serving wine and snacks that do not pose a botulinum risk until further notice.
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers Public Health has identified 82 foodborne botulism outbreaks in France between 2008 and 2018, affecting 159 individuals. The annual incidence of outbreaks ranged from three to 13, with cases varying from four to 25 per year. The largest outbreak during this period involved six patients.
In 41 of these outbreaks, the source of contamination was identified. The most commonly implicated items were canned foods and homemade products. Raw ham and canned vegetables were the two primary sources, while smoked fish, salted fish, and ground (minced) meat were also linked to several outbreaks.
