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Mass Datura poisoning in Martinique - a descriptive case series

Jonathan Florentin1,2, Hatem Kallel3,4, Noura Boudeau-Zohair1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France.

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|August 18, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A Datura contamination in buckwheat flour caused 51 poisonings in Martinique. Most cases had mild to moderate symptoms, with all patients recovering. Public health responses were crucial in limiting the outbreak's impact.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Datura poisoning severity and clinical outcomes are rarely studied, with no prior data from the French Indies.
  • A mass poisoning event linked to Datura-contaminated buckwheat flour occurred in Martinique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentations and outcomes of Datura poisoning following buckwheat flour contamination in Martinique.
  • To evaluate the public health response to a Datura mass poisoning incident.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective data collection from emergency call center and university hospital records.
  • Inclusion of all patients presenting with suspected Datura poisoning between February-March 2019.
  • Analysis of demographic data, symptoms, time to onset, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Fifty-one patients (62% female, median age 40 years) were identified.
  • Common symptoms included dry mouth (67%), vertigo (43%), and inebriation (43%).
  • One patient required intensive care; all patients experienced complete recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Datura contamination of buckwheat flour led to 51 poisonings with generally mild-to-moderate toxicity.
  • Rapid public health interventions, including product recall and public notification, were effective in limiting the outbreak.
  • Multidisciplinary toxicosurveillance and swift public health responses are vital for managing population exposure and reducing poisoning severity.
Keywords:
Antimuscarinic syndromeDaturaMartiniquemass intoxicationpoisoning

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