A significant food poisoning outbreak has impacted more than 60 guests at a tourist resort in Nicotera Marina, located in Italy’s Calabria region. The incident occurred after visitors ate hot dogs and french fries at the resort’s restaurant, with five people requiring hospitalization for serious symptoms.
The affected guests experienced symptoms consistent with botulinum poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea. Among those under medical observation were tourists from Naples and Caserta, with several children also falling ill. The outbreak prompted immediate intervention from the Carabinieri Anti-Adulteration and Health Unit (NAS), who ordered the precautionary closure of the restaurant facility.
Authorities responded quickly after multiple guests began displaying symptoms rapidly following their meal. The investigation team seized over 300 kilograms (660 lbs) of food products from the establishment as part of their comprehensive response to the incident. Food samples were subsequently transported to laboratory facilities for detailed analysis to determine potential contamination sources.
The Carabinieri conducted thorough initial investigations, including the closure of the kitchen facilities and the destruction of stored food items. Frankfurters, which formed part of the lunch service preceding the illness outbreak, were among the specific food items selected for laboratory testing and analysis.
Nicotera’s mayor addressed the incident through social media, extending recovery wishes to all affected individuals. The mayor said that the incident was isolated to the specific resort facility and did not involve any of the area’s other dining establishments. He highlighted the community’s restaurants’ commitment to food safety standards and quality products, noting that all local establishments undergo rigorous inspections to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety requirements.
This incident represents part of a broader pattern of similar cases throughout Italy during the summer months. Earlier in August, ten tourists between ages 50 and 60 experienced illness after dining at a beach resort in Formia on the Lazio coast. The month also witnessed several serious botulism cases that garnered national attention.
Recent weeks have seen multiple fatalities linked to botulism poisoning across different regions. These incidents included deaths in Sardinia connected to contaminated dishes served at a local event, as well as a fatality in Calabria linked to a sandwich containing broccoli and sausage.
The recurring nature of these incidents has heightened awareness of food safety protocols in tourist establishments throughout Italy.
The Nicotera Marina incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing food service businesses in maintaining strict safety standards, particularly during peak tourist seasons when visitor volumes increase substantially across popular vacation destinations.
