"One knife linked to multiple food contaminations, uncovered in Botulinum to Diamante incident"
Recall of Neapolitan-style Friarielli Brands Due to Botulinum Risk
In a recent development, two brands of Neapolitan-style friarielli – Bel Sapore and Vittoria – have been recalled due to a suspected risk of botulinum contamination. The recall involves four specific batches produced by Ciro Velleca Srl at a plant in Scafati, Salerno, Italy.
The affected batches are as follows: - Bel Sapore: batch 060325 (expires March 6, 2028) and batch 280325 (expires March 28, 2028) - Vittoria: batch 280325 (expires March 28, 2028) and batch 290425 (expires April 29, 2028)
These products were withdrawn from the market following a botulism outbreak linked to contaminated broccoli rabe (friarielli) that has resulted in deaths and hospitalizations in southern Italy.
The trader under investigation is defending himself, stating that the products were stored in the fridge and opened as needed. His lawyer also mentions that their client answered the prosecutor's questions during the interrogation.
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Paola is coordinating investigations into the botulinum food poisoning, with Prosecutor Domenico Fiordalisi suspecting that the owner of a food truck in Diamante may have used a single kitchen tool to handle the food. The food truck was found to be contaminated with botulinum.
The results of the analyses conducted on the food by the Higher Institute of Health were sent to the Public Prosecutor's Office in Paola. The recall has been published on the Ministry of Health's website in the section for operators.
The lawyer for the trader has appointed Professor Gennaro Sammartino from Salerno as their expert in forensic medicine and toxicology. The recall includes products with expiration dates ranging from March to April 2028, and the recalled products are Neapolitan-style friarielli packages.
It is important to note that botulism can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness. Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that starts at the shoulders and moves down to the legs.
Consumers are advised not to eat any of the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, consumers can contact the Ministry of Health or the manufacturers directly.
In this context, science and health-and-wellness come into play as experts analyze the food samples to determine the cause and extent of the botulism outbreak, and public health officials issue warnings and advice to protect consumers. Additionally, a forensic medicine and toxicology expert, Professor Gennaro Sammartino, is appointed to investigate the contaminated Neapolitan-style friarielli packages.
