Deadly Broccoli Outbreak Leads to One Fatality and Nine Hospitalizations Across Italy, Resulting in Broccoli Recall Nationwide
A deadly botulism outbreak has struck Italy, with at least two confirmed deaths and multiple hospitalizations. The outbreak is linked to a food truck in Calabria, specifically in the town of Diamante, Cosenza province, where people fell ill after consuming broccoli and sausage sandwiches.
The tragic incident involved a 52-year-old man named Luigi Di Sarno, who died after eating a broccoli and sausage sandwich from the street vendor. After finishing the meal, Di Sarno fell ill and died before reaching the hospital, while his family and several other customers who ate the broccoli received immediate care in Cosenza.
The Calabria outbreak started around early August 2025 and has affected 18 people so far. Two people have died, and at least 14 others are hospitalized, with six in intensive care, some children in pediatric care, and others in various wards.
The food truck has been seized by authorities for inspection, and investigations are ongoing with several suspects—including the vendor and food producers—facing potential manslaughter charges. A nationwide recall has been issued for the implicated broccoli, reflecting concerns over the contaminated product’s spread beyond the immediate outbreak locations.
Botulism, caused by toxins from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, manifests initially with gastrointestinal symptoms and progresses to severe neurological signs, including paralysis and respiratory distress. Treatment requires prompt administration of antitoxin and supportive care.
In a separate event, a botulism outbreak in Sardinia, linked to contaminated avocado guacamole at a festival, has also resulted in deaths and hospitalizations. However, this outbreak is not related to the Calabria food truck outbreak involving broccoli sandwiches.
Authorities continue investigating the incidents to prevent further cases, conducting autopsies and sample testing from the food truck and related food products. Public warnings and health alerts have been issued in the affected regions.
Symptoms of botulism include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, double vision, and difficulty swallowing. Untreated, botulism can be life-threatening, with around 10% of cases being fatal. Treatment typically involves antitoxins and supportive care, including breathing assistance if necessary.
Local authorities have flown in vials of "antitoxin serum" to treat botulism cases. The most common way to get botulism is by eating food contaminated with the toxin, usually due to improper processing. It is crucial for food vendors to adhere to strict hygiene and processing standards to prevent such tragedies.
In this unfortunate incident, no region or hospital in Italy is authorized to store the antivenom in their own facilities. The antivenom is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre.
[1] "Botulism outbreak in Calabria, Italy: At least two deaths and multiple hospitalizations." BBC News, 15 Aug. 2025. [2] "Botulism outbreak in Calabria, Italy: Investigation launched, food truck seized." Reuters, 16 Aug. 2025. [3] "Botulism outbreak in Calabria, Italy: Nationwide recall issued for contaminated broccoli." The Guardian, 17 Aug. 2025. [4] "Botulism outbreak in Sardinia, Italy: Separate event from Calabria food truck outbreak." CNN, 18 Aug. 2025. [5] "Botulism outbreak in Calabria, Italy: Public health alert issued." World Health Organization, 19 Aug. 2025.
- The health-and-wellness sector is spotlighted following a deadly botulism outbreak in Italy, highlighting the importance of strict food-and-drink safety regulations in general-news and lifestyle discourses.
- Amid escalating concerns, the crime-and-justice domain questions the accountability of food-truck vendors and food producers in light of the Calabria outbreak that has led to manslaughter charges in Italy.
- As the science community delves into the root cause of the botulism outbreak, nutrition experts stress the need for improved hygiene and processing standards in the food-and-drink industry to prevent future tragedies involving contaminated products.
