Urgent Food Safety Alert: Fatal Botulism Outbreak in Italy & Listeria Recalls in the U.S.

In a stark reminder of the risks of foodborne illness, authorities in Italy and the U.S. have issued urgent public health warnings following recent outbreaks and recalls. From improperly preserved vegetables in Italy to contaminated ready-to-eat meals in the U.S., these incidents highlight the critical importance of food safety vigilance for consumers worldwide.

Italy: A Botulism Outbreak Linked to Preserved Broccoli

A tragic and serious outbreak of botulism has been linked to a food vendor in Diamante, a town in Italy's Calabria region. The outbreak, tied to sandwiches containing broccoli preserved in oil, resulted in the death of a 52-year-old artist and musician, Luigi Di Sarno, and led to the hospitalization of nine other individuals who consumed the same meal.

In response, Italian health authorities have ordered a nationwide recall of all broccoli preserved in oil that may have been contaminated.

Key Risk & Response:

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by toxins from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is most often associated with improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods. Health authorities have activated a rapid response, deploying antitoxin serum to hospitals and launching a full-scale investigation into the food vendors and their preservation practices.

U.S. Alerts: Listeria Recalls and Outbreaks

Across the Atlantic, U.S. food safety agencies have been grappling with multiple recalls related to Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness.

1. Nationwide Shrimp Recall: Approximately 44,550 pounds of cooked and peeled shrimp, sold under the Bornstein Seafoods brand, were recalled. While no illnesses have been confirmed in this case, the ready-to-eat shrimp, sold in 1- and 5-pound bags with specific UPC and lot codes, were distributed across California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

2. Fatal Chicken Alfredo Outbreak: A more severe outbreak has been linked to premade chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold by the brand FreshRealm at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger. This outbreak has resulted in a confirmed three deaths and over a dozen hospitalizations across 13 U.S. states. A particularly tragic case involved a pregnant person who lost their fetus due to the infection. Recalled meals were produced before June 17, 2025.

What Consumers Should Do Now: A Food Safety Checklist

These incidents underscore that vigilance is our best defense against foodborne illnesses.

• Check Your Food: Immediately check your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer for any recalled items, including broccoli in oil from Italy, and the specific shrimp and chicken Alfredo meals in the U.S.
• Discard or Return: Do not eat any of the recalled products. Dispose of them safely or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Clean and Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled food to prevent cross-contamination.
• Know the Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of these serious illnesses.
• Botulism Symptoms: Look for blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or muscle weakness. Onset is typically 12-36 hours after ingestion.
• Listeria Symptoms: Watch for fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis, bloodstream infections, or, tragically, fetal loss. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after exposure.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after consuming a potentially contaminated food product, seek emergency medical care immediately.

This series of events serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of our food supply chain. Staying informed and practicing safe food handling are essential steps to protect the health of yourself and your family. For the most up-to-date information, always follow official food safety alerts from agencies like the FDA in the U.S. or national health departments in your region.