Botulism is a serious food poisoning.
Warning. The Regional Health Agency is warning of the reporting of 5 “probable” cases of botulism in people who shared a family meal and consumed homemade preserves.
Botulism is a paralyzing disease caused by a toxin (botulinum toxin) produced by a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum).It is the toxin that makes you sick, not the bacteria itself.” explained Christelle Mazuet, head of the National Reference Center for Anaerobic Bacteria and Botulism at the Pasteur Institute, in a previous article. This toxin is extremely powerful and targets nerve endings. The disease can be triggered after consuming food contaminated by the bacteria. In France, it is most often linked to the consumption of canned food that is home-made or artisanal, and more rarely industrially produced.
According to the press release from the ARS of Centre-Val-de-Loire, the five new probable cases of botulism are linked to the consumption of pestowild garlic from the brand “O Ptits Oignons”. “The leftover food from this meal, and in particular the wild garlic pesto made by a local producer, were sent to the Pasteur Institute for analysis.” informs the authority. The results are expected within two days. These people who presented symptoms suggestive of botulism were taken care of.
The Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations of Indre-et-Loire (DDPP) immediately carried out investigations with the producer of these preserves. “Since the artisanal production conditions do not guarantee the sterilization of the jars, a recall of all the jars manufactured was therefore decided immediately as a precaution (all manufacturing dates, all best before dates).”
Cans of this pesto were sold at the following events (Indre et Loire department):
- Plant and Spring Festival at the Château de la Bourdaisière in Montlouis-sur-Loire, from March 30 to April 1, 2024;
- “Nature in celebration” festival at the Château de Cangé in Saint-Avertin, April 13 and 14, 2024;
- Garlic and Basil Fair in Tours, July 26, 2024;
- Tomato and flavors festival at the Château de la Bourdaisière in Montlouis-sur-Loire, September 7 and 8, 2024.
Given the incubation period (from a few hours to a few days) and the seriousness of the disease, people who have consumed these products are urged to be vigilant and to consult a doctor in the event of suggestive symptoms (vision problems, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, difficulty speaking, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). People who still have these products are advised not to consume them, not to open them, and to throw them away.
Treatment of botulism is essentially symptomatic and requires, in severe forms, intensive respiratory care with assisted ventilation. The vast majority of patients treated without delay recover without after-effects.