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Updated: May 26, 2026

Enrichment and Detection of Clostridium perfringens Toxinotypes in Retail Food Samples
Published on: October 18, 2019
Two outbreaks of botulism associated with consumption of green olive paste, France, September 2011
J M Pingeon1, C Vanbockstael, M R Popoff
1Regional Health Agency of Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur, Avignon, France.
Abstract:
Two family outbreaks of botulism (a total of nine cases) were identified in south-east and northern France in early September 2011. The source of infection was considered to be a ground green olive paste. Botulinum type A toxin was identified in seven cases and in the incriminated olive paste. Incorrect sterilisation techniques were observed at the artisanal producer’s workshop. These episodes highlight the potential public health threat of Clostridium botulinum linked to inadequate sterilisation of food products.
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