The investigation into a botulism outbreak linked to sausage sandwiches sold in Calabria has widened to include nine suspects, sources said at the weekend.
In Summary:
- Two people died after eating sausage and turnip top sandwiches from a food truck in Diamante.
- Nine suspects include the food seller, three production staff, and five doctors.
- Fourteen others remain in hospital with food poisoning.
- Prosecutors have ordered a nationwide seizure of the sandwich.
Deaths and Hospitalisations
A 52-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman died after buying sausage and turnip top panini from a food truck in Diamante, near Cosenza, last week. Fourteen other people are still receiving treatment in hospital for botulism-related symptoms.
Suspects and Charges
Investigators have named the food seller, three employees of the company that produced the sandwiches, and five doctors from two health facilities that treated the victims before their deaths. The doctors are suspected of possible failings in diagnosis or treatment.
Nationwide Recall
Prosecutors have ordered the seizure of all sausage and turnip top sandwiches nationwide. Turnip tops, known in Italy as cime di rapa, are a leafy vegetable similar to broccoli and widely used in regional cuisine.
Ministry Response and Second Outbreak
The health ministry confirmed on Friday that it had activated emergency protocols following the Calabria botulism outbreak and a separate case in Sardinia. In Sardinia, a 38-year-old woman died after suffering severe food poisoning caused by guacamole sauce served at a festival last month. She was one of eight people affected in that incident.
Authorities have urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of botulism, which can include blurred vision, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
