Suspected botulism case prompts French warning

French officials have warned of an alleged case of food of food origin linked to a product sold on local and online markets.

The national health authorities were informed of a clinically suggestive case of botulism following the consumption of garlic confit sold by the company Le Tapenadier at Sommières Market in Gard. The confit is the food cooking process in a low -temperature liquid.

The garlic, which was bought in early September, was filled under vacuum and left at room temperature for three days, which is favorable to the development of clostridium botulinum and botulinum toxins.

The authorities of the Hérault Region carried out an inspection and surveys on the operator. As health control conditions have not been met, it was decided to suspend production activities.

A garlic confit reminder made by the Tapenadier was ordered. Other brands with the names green and black tapenade, anchovy cream, garlic delight, tomato garlic delight, tomato delight, artichoke delight, pepper delight and my father’s preparation.

The products were sold on the markets of Sommières, Lattes, Sère, Béziers, Vendres-Plage and Port-La-Nouvelle as well as on the company’s website.

The authorities asked people in possession of one of these products not to consume or open them, and to throw them away.

Risk of botulism
Earlier this year, Public Santé France published data on all types of botulism in the country from 2018 to 2024.

Botulism of food origin represented 56 epidemics during the period studied. Homemade preparations were the main source of botulism in 20 epidemics.

Of 97 cases of food of food origin, the median age was 40 years with a range of less than 1 to 81 years. Among the cases reported, 85% were hospitalized and 35% needed respiratory support.

Botulinum poisoning is a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by toxins produced by the bacteria of clostridium. In food of food origin, symptoms generally start 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated foods. However, they can occur from six p.m. or until 10 days later.

Symptoms may include a double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, linked speeches, difficulties in swallowing or breathing, paralysis – in particular the muscles used for breathing – a thick tongue, a dry mouth and muscle weakness.

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