Clinical Updates
8 September 2011
Outbreak of botulism in France
Two clusters of botulism were reported by French health authorities on 5 September 2011 [1-3]. There have been a total of eight cases of botulism; five were from the district of Vaucluse in southern France, and three cases were reported from the district of Somme in northern France. All cases have been hospitalised.
An epidemiological investigation has determined a common origin of the two clusters. Tapenade, a food product based on ground olives, produced in the Vaucluse under the brand name “Les Délices de Marie-Claire” (batch number 112005) has tested positive for botulinum toxin [1-3]. Further products from the same producer and sold under the trademarks “Terre de Mistral” and “Les secrets d’Anaïs” have also tested positive [4].
The tapenade has been on sale since 31 May 2011 in food delicatessens in four districts in southern France including Bouches-du-Rhône, Drome, Var and Vaucluse [1]. The sell-by date is 16 December 2012.
Health authorities have ordered a national recall of all products made by the producer of the tapenade, and have informed public health authorities throughout Europe [5].
Advice for travellers
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that causes paralysis. Food borne botulism is usually acquired after ingesting a contaminated food item, such as sausage, or home-canned meats, fish or vegetables. Symptoms usually begin 12 and 36 hours after eating the contaminated product. They initially consist of blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, and progress to respiratory muscle paralysis followed by arm and leg paralysis [6]. Botulism is not spread from person to person.
Travellers who may have purchased this product while staying in France, are advised not to consume it. Travellers returning from France, who feel unwell as a result of eating recalled products, should seek urgent medical care and inform their health care provider of their recent travel and possible exposure.
References
1. Agence régionale de santé (ARS) de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Cas groupés de botulisme dans le Vaucluse et la Somme. 5 September 2011. [in French]. [Accessed 8 September 2011]. Available at:
http://www.ars.paca.sante.fr/Cas-groupes-de-botulisme-dans.119679.0.html
2.Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Santé Le Ministère de la Santé et des Sports. Cas groupés de botulisme dans le Vaucluse (84) et la Somme (80). 6 September 2011.
[in French]. [Accessed 8 September 2011]. Available at:
http://www.sante.gouv.fr/cas-groupes-de-botulisme-dans-le-vaucluse-84-et-la-somme-80.html
3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Outbreak of botulism in France. 7 September 2011. [Accessed 7 September 2011]. Available at:
http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/sciadvice/Lists/ECDC%20
Fsciadvice%2FLists%2FECDC%20Reviews
4. Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Santé Le Ministère de la Santé et des Sports. Cas de botulisme - Recommandations urgentes aux consommateurs. 7 September 2011. [in French]. [Accessed 8 September 2011]. Available at:
http://www.sante.gouv.fr/cas-de-botulisme-recommandations-urgentes-aux-consommateurs.html
5. Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation, de la Pêche, de la Ruralité et de l'Aménagement du territoire. Actu alertes. Cas groupés de botulisme dans le Vaucluse (84) et la Somme (80). 6 September 2011. [in French]. [Accessed 8 September 2011]. Available at: http://alimentation.gouv.fr/botulisme-
6. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Fctsheet for the general public. 9 July 2010. [Accessed 8 September 2011]. Available at:
http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/botulism/basic_facts/
Pages/Factsheet_for_general_public.aspx
Links
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Botulism factsheet
Disclaimer | Copyright | Privacy | Sitemap | Accessibility