Di Sarno fell seriously ill shortly after they resumed their drive, close to Lagonegro in Potenza, and had to halt in a small Basilicata village. Despite the prompt emergency reaction, the musician died before arriving at the hospital.
Members of Di Sarno’s family, including two women in their 40s and two 17-year-olds, as well as some other patrons, were also admitted to the hospital. Two patients were reported to be in particularly serious condition, and all were admitted to the intensive care unit at Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza.
According to initial investigations, the oil-preserved broccoli that was used in the sandwiches might have been contaminated with botulinum toxin, a rare but potentially lethal neurotoxin that affects the nervous system and causes paralysis and breathing difficulties.To prevent the spread of the suspected epidemic, the Paola Public Prosecutor’s Office promptly ordered the confiscation of the involved food truck and jars of the suspect broccoli product.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum, which targets the body’s nerves, resulting in respiratory issues, paralysis of the muscles, and death in rare instances.
Homemade foods that are ‘improperly canned, preserved or fermented’ are common sources of foodborne botulism. Botulinum toxin can also be found in store-bought foods; however, this is less prevalent.
This incident comes after a botulism outbreak in Sardinia left at least eight people ill. They reportedly consumed tainted guacamole during an event in Cagliari. The incident led to a national examination of food safety regulations and at least one death.
Italian health officials responded to both outbreaks by airlifting antitoxin serum to hospitals immediately since the Ministry of Health centrally stores this vital medicine, which is administered through the country’s Poison Control Centre.
