Amidst a suspected outbreak of a rare and dangerous food poisoning incident, more than 120 people in Moscow have sought medical help.
These patients were admitted with suspected botulism, a foodborne and life-threatening condition that mainly attacks the nervous system and leads to paralysis and respiratory failure.
Suspected Food Poisoning Outbreak
According to Russian authorities, the toxic outbreak was from salads that a popular online delivery service distributed. On Sunday, the service suspended its operations temporarily in lieu of criminal investigations.
State news agencies said that there were a total of 121 people who sought medical assistance. They quoted Anastasia Rakova, Moscow's deputy mayor, who stated on Monday that 55 patients had a serious condition, while 30 were in the intensive care unit.
Rospotrebnadzor, the city consumer and health watchdog, noted that they were working on an epidemiological investigation into suspected botulism cases.
The prosecutor's office of Moscow explained that they launched a criminal investigation into consumer safety standard breaching.
Rakova explained that this did not pose any threat to the lives of individuals who got hospitalized. This is thanks to the medical intervention that was timely.
Kuchnia Na Rayone, which translates to local kitchen, is the food delivery company that has been associated with the outbreak. They said that they were able to identify a possible risk incident with a salad that made use of tinned beans. They also suspended their orders.
Botulism
Botulism is a very rare condition that is typically due to food that is improperly processed. It has also been associated with preserved and canned goods as well as homemade food that is not properly preserved or canned.
Such foods are usually fish, vegetables, and fruits. Other foods, such as oil infused with garlic or foil-wrapped baked potatoes, could also be botulism sources.
The World Health Organization says that foodborne botulism is a grave and possibly fatal condition. It is not transmitted across people.
Some of the early symptoms of botulism may include dry mouth, blurred vision, and vertigo, among others.
According to the WHO, the incidence of botulism is low. However, the mortality rate could be high if prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment are not given.
Preventing Foodborne Botulism
For preventing foodborne botulism, it is important to make use of proper techniques in preserving or canning home foods to ensure that germs for botulism are destroyed. It is also crucial to safely prepare and store food.
It is recommended to pressure-cook home-canned foods at a heat level of 121 degrees Celsius for 20 to 100 minutes.
Preserved food kept in a bulging container or that smells bad should not be eaten. However, smell and taste may not always give away C. botulinum's presence, as some strains do not cause unusual tastes or bad smells.
For those who wrap potatoes in foil prior to baking, it is important to eat these foods hot. The foil should also be loosened, and the potatoes should be stored in the refrigerator.
As for homemade oils with herbs or garlic, they should be kept in the refrigerator. These oils should also be disposed of after four days.
Canned goods should also be refrigerated after they are opened.
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