A suspicious outbreak of food poisoning that has made more than 100 people sick and killed three is being investigated in Italy.
Four nursing and residential care facilities (RSA) are affected in the florence region. They share the same cooking center.
From an initial analysis, 114 cases of gastroenteritis with diarrhea and vomiting were found to be among 173 guests.
An epidemiological investigation and preventive measures have been taken by Torskana Centro Local Health Authority (AUSL).
Samples of four available foods- a carrot-based soup, mixed vegetables, rabbits and potatoes, and pizza- are suspected of being related to phenomenon, is taken for microorganism analysis.
Italian officials said that investigation is going on with a collection of documents and other evidence, but some issues have already been found which have upheld the temporary suspension of the operation of food production at the center of cooking.
In view of the difficulty of interviewing patients about the food items consumed, information was collected through the nursing staff.
Symptoms began on the evening of 9 February, in which some people required hospital treatment. There were three deaths. A fourth death occurred, but possibly not due to food poisoning.
Facilities are being inspected as part of an epidemic test to get a complete picture to the extent of outbreak.
In a statement by Italian media, Serney Orezontti, a provider of residential care for the elderly, reported that all HACCP procedures were followed properly and employees at the cooking center have the necessary qualifications and training. Paalego and previous microorganical analysis on the kitchen in the palago and food made a month ago did not reveal any issue.
Tuscany Chairman Eagenio Jiyani and Social Polician Councilor Serena Spinley said the incident is particularly impressive because people are affected in a delicate situation.
“We are involved in the pain of families who have lost their loved ones, and we are close to those who have faced results that are fortunately less serious. This is an incident that jerks us. For this reason, we also hope that the investigation will quickly highlight what happened. As a field, we will closely follow the case, in close contact with the Health Authority responsible for checking public hygiene and monitoring four RSAs, ”he said.
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