A 52-year-old man has died and 9 others have been hospitalized in Italy after eating a broccoli and sausage sandwich suspected to be contaminated with a deadly toxin. All cases have been traced back to the same street vendor on the seafront of Diamante, in the province of Cosenza.Victim Fell Ill During Drive HomeThe victim, identified as artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, was returning from a family vacation in Calabria when he and relatives stopped at the food truck. All five family members ate the same sandwich and soon developed symptoms consistent with botulism.Di Sarno reportedly began feeling unwell while driving along a highway near Lagonegro in Potenza. He pulled over in the town of Basilicata, where emergency services were called, but he died before reaching the hospital. Two of his relatives remain in serious condition.Rare But Deadly Illness SuspectedBotulism is caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which attack the nervous system, leading to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10% of cases, death. The infection is rare but can occur when certain foods, including broccoli, are improperly processed or stored.Authorities believe contaminated broccoli in oil used for the sandwiches is the likely source. Local prosecutors in Paola immediately ordered all jars of broccoli in oil to be seized, along with the food truck where the meals were prepared.Wider Health Concerns Across ItalyThe outbreak has sparked nationwide concern. Just weeks earlier, eight people were hospitalized after eating contaminated guacamole at a food festival in Sardinia. Those cases were also linked to botulism.In both incidents, Italy’s strict emergency protocol for botulism was activated. The Calabria Region’s Department of Health and Welfare confirmed that the Poison Control Centre in Pavia is the only facility authorized to manage such cases. The Ministry of Health stores the antitoxin in secure locations and distributes it solely through the Lombardy center.The first doses of the antitoxin were sent from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto to treat initial patients. As more cases emerged, additional supplies were rushed in. Health officials have now ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli products to prevent further infections.An autopsy will be conducted to confirm Di Sarno’s exact cause of death, though investigators say early evidence strongly points to botulism. Authorities continue to trace all potential exposure points while urging the public to avoid suspect broccoli products until the source is fully contained.What Is Botulism?As per the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne botulism is a serious, and fatal disease, though it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, which are formed in contaminated foods. WHO notes: "spores produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum are heat-resistant and exist widely in the environment, and in the absence of oxygen they germinate, grow and then excrete toxins. There are 7 distinct forms of botulinum toxin, types A–G. Four of these (types A, B, E and rarely F) cause human botulism. Types C, D and E cause illness in other mammals, birds and fish."Common SymptomsFlaccid Paralysis that can cause respiratory failureFatigueWeaknessVertigoDifficulty in swallowing or speakingVomitingDiarrheaConstipationAbnormal swellingWeakness in neck and arms
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