Italy: Three Deaths Linked to Contaminated Broccoli and Guacamole

Three people in Italy have died after consuming sandwiches containing contaminated broccoli and guacamole. The incidents occurred in the Cagliari and Cosenza regions.

Roberta Pitzalis, 38, died in Cagliari after eating contaminated guacamole. Luigi Di Sarno, 52, died while traveling in Cosenza, having consumed a sandwich with contaminated broccoli a few days earlier. A 45-year-old woman from Praia a Mare in Cosenza also died after experiencing similar symptoms.

Nine more people are hospitalized in Cosenza with symptoms of botulism poisoning, including two 17-year-olds and two 40-year-olds. Patients presented with blurred vision, vomiting, and muscle weakness. Botulinum toxin serum has been administered.

Health authorities have seized food from the canteen linked to the incidents and are conducting an investigation. The Public Prosecutor's Office of Pavia has ordered the seizure of related products, with jars of broccoli in oil suspected.

In late July, eight people were hospitalized in Cagliari due to botulism poisoning, including an 11-year-old boy who remains in serious condition.

The mayor of Monserrato canceled all events related to the feast of Saint Lawrence, except for the procession, as a sign of mourning.