Five people seriously ill from botulism in France

The Italian Ministry of Health has issued an alert following the hospitalization of five individuals in France in critical condition due to botulinum poisoning. All patients had consumed the same brand of pesto. The French health authorities have reported investigating five potential cases of botulism associated with canned garlic pesto, per the requirements of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). The affected canned goods are of French provenance and are produced by an artisanal manufacturer. They are sold directly to consumers at specific events and festivals in France. It is assumed that some buyers may reside abroad. According to the information the French health authorities provided, all 600 contaminated jars have been withdrawn from sale. If some consumers have purchased the product, it is recommended that they do not consume it.