Overview

• Six retirees from Cholet were admitted to the Centre hospitalier de Cholet with severe neurological symptoms between July 7 and 14.
• The Agence régionale de santé Pays de la Loire identified artisanal home-canned carrots used in a shared carrot cake as the likely contamination source.
• Investigators have confirmed none of the implicated jars were commercially produced and all preserves were prepared domestically.
• Botulism arises from a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum in oxygen-free environments and can require intensive respiratory support.
• Authorities are urging home canners to adhere to strict sterilization and preservation protocols to prevent further outbreaks.