the prosecution opens a preliminary investigation, in particular for “involuntary manslaughter”

The Bordeaux public prosecutor’s office announces that it has opened a preliminary investigation into the counts of “involuntary homicide”, “unintentional injuries” and “placing on the market of foodstuffs harmful to health”, Friday September 15, after several cases of botulism recorded in the city.

One person died among a dozen suffering from botulism, a serious and rare neurological disease, after eating artisanal canned sardines in the same Bordeaux establishment, a wine bar. The deceased victim is a 32-year-old woman who had frequented the city with her partner before returning to her home in the Paris region.

An inspection by the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) was carried out on Monday in the establishment, confirming a “manufacturing defect” canned sardines. “The restaurant owner confirmed that when the jars were opened, there was a bad smell and no vacuum”underlined Thierry Touzet, deputy director of the DDPP. “The establishment was rather well maintained” but the professional “has a very artisanal mode of operation which was not mastered”he added, specifying that the establishment had never been reported in the past.