A suspected outbreak of a rare and highly dangerous food poisoning incident in Moscow has led to more than 120 individuals seeking medical assistance, with at least 30 of them currently in intensive care, according to health officials. The patients have been admitted to hospitals with suspected foodborne botulism, a severe condition that attacks the nervous system and can result in respiratory failure and paralysis.

The toxic outbreak has been traced back to salads distributed by a popular online delivery service, which has temporarily suspended its operations as a criminal investigation unfolds. Anastasia Rakova, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow, confirmed that 121 individuals have sought medical help, with 55 of them in serious condition and 30 receiving intensive care.

The Moscow consumer and health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, is conducting an epidemiological investigation into the suspected cases of botulism. Simultaneously, the Moscow prosecutor's office has launched a criminal investigation into a violation of consumer safety standards.

Deputy Mayor Rakova emphasized that the timely medical intervention has ensured that the lives of those hospitalized are not at risk. The delivery company involved in the outbreak, Kuchnia Na Rayone ("local kitchen"), has identified a "potential risk incident" related to a salad that used tinned beans and has consequently suspended its orders.

Botulism is an extremely rare condition, often caused by improperly processed food linked to canned and preserved goods. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies foodborne botulism as a serious and potentially fatal disease that does not spread between people. Early symptoms of botulism include fatigue, vertigo, blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing and speaking.

While botulism incidence is generally low, WHO stresses the importance of prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment to reduce the mortality rate. In a similar incident last year, botulism outbreak in a wine bar in France claimed one life and left eight other individuals, including a University of Colorado graduate, in intensive care.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 82 confirmed cases of botulism across the European Economic Area in 2021, according to the last available data.

As the investigation into the suspected food poisoning outbreak in Moscow continues, health officials are urging vigilance and caution when it comes to food safety to prevent further cases of botulism and ensure the well-being of the community.