Málaga, (EFE).- The Ministry of Health is studying a second suspected case of botulism in Andalusia associated with the consumption of packaged potato omelette, a 66-year-old person, resident in Benalmádena (Málaga), who presents mild symptoms.
According to sources from this council, the affected person presented symptoms on July 14, but has not required hospital admission. The samples have been sent to the National Center for Microbiology for evaluation. With this, there are already two suspected cases of botulism detected in the province of Malaga as a result of the consumption of potato tortilla from the Palacios Group. That this product has already been withdrawn from all points of sale.
The other person affected in Andalusia is a 27-year-old resident of Malaga. That he presented mild symptoms at the beginning of this month and has not needed hospital admission either.
Health has highlighted the work of the surveillance network, dependent on the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation. In the early detection of these possible cases.
product recall
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) has asked the autonomous communities to verify the withdrawal of the products affected by the outbreak from the marketing channels. After Grupo Palacios has decided to withdraw the packaged potato tortilla fresh from the dish produced at the Mudrian (Segovia) factory. And the temporary stoppage of its manufacture.
Although up to now it has not been possible to establish evidence, neither in the products nor in the processes, that relates cause and effect, the Palacios Group has asked all people who have purchased any of these products (Palacios, Chef Select, Auchan, Eroski, Unide, Consum, DIA, Ametller, Condis, El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Alipende, Grupo IFA and Rikissimo) to refrain from consuming it. And that they proceed to their return at the point of sale.
The botulism outbreak associated with packaged potato tortillas has so far left five confirmed cases and two suspects.
Both confirmed and probable cases have a history of having consumed pre-cooked, packaged potato omelettes purchased in different supermarkets.
Botulism is a rare but serious disease. Caused by a toxin that attacks the nervous system, and can cause shortness of breath, muscle paralysis, and even death.
Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods at home can create the conditions necessary for bacteria to produce the toxin. EFE