Five probable cases of botulism in Indre-et-Loire, the government orders a recall of artisanal cans of wild garlic pesto

The five people “who presented symptoms suggestive of botulism were taken into care” on Monday, the Ministry of Health assured in a press release. The results of the analyses will be known by Thursday.

Authorities on Tuesday, September 10, ordered the recall of artisanal cans of wild garlic pesto following reports on Monday in Indre-et-Loire of “five probable cases of botulism”a serious neurological condition caused by a very powerful toxin. These probable cases were reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Centre-Val-de-Loire following a “family meal and consumption of wild garlic pesto from the O Ptits Oignons brand” manufactured by a local producer, the Ministries of Health and Agriculture specified in a joint press release.

The five people, “who presented symptoms suggestive of botulism were taken care of”according to the same source without further details. The results of the analyses carried out by the Pasteur Institute are “expected within two days.”

“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,” regardless of their date of manufacture or optimal use, the ministries add. These preserves were marketed on the occasion of four festivals or fairs organized in the department between the end of March and September. “Given the incubation time [de quelques heures à quelques jours] and the serious nature of the disease, people who have consumed these products are called upon to be extremely vigilant and to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms. [troubles de la vision, difficultés à avaler, bouche sèche, difficultés à parler]“, advise the authorities.

Botulism is a rare and serious neurological condition, fatal in 5 to 10% of cases, caused by a very powerful toxin produced by a bacterium that develops in particular in poorly preserved food, due to lack of sufficient sterilization. It causes eye problems (double vision), impaired swallowing and, in advanced forms, paralysis of the muscles, particularly respiratory muscles, which can lead to death.

As of September 2023, 16 customers, including a woman who died, have been identified as “suspected cases of botulism” after eating homemade canned sardines in a tourist restaurant in the center of Bordeaux.