New cases of botulism surfaced in Vietnam after consumption of a kind of pate from a well known national company. Nine cases of botulism were occured, all are under supervision in various medical institutions of topical diseases.
They suffered symptoms after eating Minh Chay pate products on August 18-19 and were instantly requiring the medical help.
Initial test results of some Minh Chay pate products, made by Loi Song Moi Company, from different batches detected Clostridium botulinum type B. Patient samples were also positive for Clostridium botulinum.
Patient samples and pate from those being treated at Bach Mai Hospital also became available. Both were positive for Clostridium botulinum and results pointed to contamination during the production process.
Company’s response:-
A statement from the company started by apologizing to customers.
“As a brand that comes from a family with a 30-year vegetarian tradition with the desire to convey vegetarian values to the community, Minh Chay always complies with the law. The safety of our customers is Minh Chay’s top priority, we are extremely grateful for your support,” it read.
“Immediately after receiving the direction and guidance of the authorities, we stopped all business and production activities of Minh Chay to coordinate with the authorities to investigate and clarify the cause as well as focus a maximum on customer support resources.”
Botulism is a severe disease caused by clostridium botulinum which release toxins at a particular intervals. Generally symptoms start getting manifested in 18-72 hours of consumption.
Symptoms include dizziness, double vision, weakness. Furthermore, it paralyzes the respiratory muscles imposing difficulty in breathing and speaking and patient gets put generally on ventilation. Abdominal distension and constipation may occur.