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Two Dead, Children Hospitalized After Guacamole Botulism at Sardinia Festival

Prosecutors responded with an investigation following the activation of national botulism protocols.

Overview

  • Valeria Sollai, 62, died on Monday after weeks on life support, and Roberta Pitzalis, 38, died on August 8, with an autopsy citing botulism and pneumonia.
  • Illnesses were traced to guacamole served at the Fiesta Latina event in Monserrato, Cagliari, held July 22–24.
  • Two children who consumed the same batch remain hospitalized, with an 11-year-old boy flown to Rome’s Gemelli Policlinico in serious condition and a 14-year-old girl treated in Monserrato.
  • The Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a case, the traveling festival was halted, and a recall notice was reportedly issued for Metro Chef avocado pulp.
  • Italy’s Health Ministry said botulism protocols were activated and antitoxin access ensured, as officials also probe a separate deadly sandwich-linked outbreak in Calabria.