Guacamole link in Italian botulism outbreak

Italian health officials are investigating at least six cases of botulism after people ate guacamole.

Authorities from the Sardinia region said people fell sick after attending a traveling festival in Monserrato from July 22 to 24.

The regional health department has alerted the Cagliari and Ogliastra local health authorities and an epidemiological investigation has been opened.

The festival was on its way to Tortolì but has now been suspended by local authorities.

A statement from officials in Monserrato said the cases of food poisoning occurred at the Fiesta Latina event. Some patients have been hospitalized.

Local media reported that the Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident and up to 11 people could be infected.

A recall notice published by the Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) has been issued for Metro Chef avocado pulp because of the possible presence of botulinum toxin. The alert mentions MCC Trading International in Germany, Salud Food Group Europe, and Agroempaques S.A of Peru. The 1-kilogram packages have an expiry date of July 31, 2026, and lot code LI4213 or Aug. 5, 2026, and lot code LI4218.

Botulinum poisoning is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, they can occur as soon as six hours or up to 10 days later.

Symptoms may include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, paralysis — particularly of muscles used for breathing — a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.

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