A 52-year-old man has died in southern Italy after eating a broccoli sandwich from a food truck, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the contamination. Nine others were hospitalized with botulism-like symptoms.
The incident occurred in the Cosenza province, where officials have ordered the seizure of commercial products containing broccoli and taken steps to distribute an anti-toxin serum across the country. The Poison Control Centre in Pavia is managing the outbreak, which includes diagnosing cases and providing treatment.
Botulism, a rare but life-threatening condition, can be caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Symptoms include paralysis, and it can be treated with lifesaving antidote treatments.
The deceased man’s family has called for justice, while his sister described him as being discharged from hospital despite still feeling unwell. The incident is the latest in a series of outbreaks in Italy, following an eight-person case of botulism last month in Sardinia after eating infected guacamole.
Source: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-08-11/man-52-dies-after-eating-broccoli-sandwich-in-southern-italy