Food Poisoning Outbreak at Pizzeria in Brazil Leaves 1 Dead, 100+ Sick
A woman died and more than 118 people sought medical attention after consuming food at La Favoritta pizzeria in Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil, prompting a health inspection and the establishment’s closure. The incidents began Sunday, March 15th, and continued through Tuesday, March 17th, with patients reporting symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Raíssa Maritein Bezerra e Silva, 44, died at the Hospital Regional de Pombal on Tuesday morning after initially being treated and discharged, then returning in a grave condition. Hospital records indicate a “rapid clinical evolution” and subsequent transfer to the ICU, where she succumbed to complications believed to be linked to a severe infection.
The Agência Estadual de Vigilância Sanitária (Agevisa) conducted an inspection of La Favoritta, discovering unsanitary conditions including the presence of cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes. The inspection also revealed only one bathroom was available for leverage. Samples of food items and patient clinical materials have been collected for laboratory analysis, according to the Secretaria da Saúde da Paraíba.
The initial reports of illness surfaced on Sunday evening, with patients seeking treatment at the Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA) in Pombal and the Hospital Regional de Pombal. By Monday, the number of reported cases had risen significantly, prompting a formal investigation by the Polícia Civil. The pizzeria was subsequently interdicted, preventing further operation while the investigation proceeds.
Health officials are currently analyzing the pizza suspected of causing the outbreak for microbiological growth. Should microorganisms be detected, further testing will be conducted to identify the specific causative agent. Parallel analysis of patient clinical samples is underway to confirm the etiological agent and establish a definitive link between the symptoms and food consumption.
The defense of La Favoritta stated they are cooperating with the authorities and await the results of the analyses before issuing an official statement. The pizzeria’s owner reportedly initiated contact with the Vigilância Sanitária to request the inspection.
Results from the laboratory analyses are expected within 10 to 15 days, according to the Secretaria da Saúde. The Polícia Civil’s inquiry remains ongoing.