The Community of Madrid has detected the first case of botulism in the region related to Grupo Palacios tortillas, which have already been withdrawn from points of sale.
This information has been transferred to the Ministry of Health so that it can adopt the necessary measures, the regional government stated in a press release.
From Madrid, they hope that now it will be the Ministry of Health that quickly adopts the precise actions, since there have already been several cases in different autonomous communities, such as Galicia, Asturias, Valencia and Andalusia.
So far, seven cases of botulism have been detected linked to these packaged tortillas, which had been distributed by the brands Chef Select, Auchan, Eroski, Unide, Consum, DIA, Condis, El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Alipende and Rikissimo.
The confirmed cases correspond to two citizens of Italy who consumed this product in Valladolid, one in Asturias and a fourth in Galicia, in addition to the one in Madrid. And there are others possible in Andalusia and the Valencian Community, since they have a compatible clinical situation.
Some of those affected have required treatment in the ICU, according to what the Center for the Coordination of Health Emergencies and Alerts (CCAES) has said in the report it issued on this outbreak this Wednesday.
In a statement, the company has asked that consumers refrain from consuming the affected products and that they return them to the point of sale where they were purchased, where their amount will be refunded.
The Community of Madrid has also transmitted a message of tranquility to the population: "There is no reason to be alarmed, but it is recommended, out of prudence, not to consume the product in question for the next few days, while it is isolated and withdrawn from all commercial establishments".
Palacios Alimentación has added that the withdrawal of the products has been carried out voluntarily, as a precaution, and that their manufacture has also been temporarily stopped. It is a fresh packaged potato omelette produced at the Mudrian factory.
At the same time, it has made available to the client a telephone line with the number 941 27 77 00 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the email palacios@palacios.es "to clarify any doubts or concerns".
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) urges the autonomous communities to verify the withdrawal of affected products from marketing channels.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the nervous system and can cause shortness of breath, muscle paralysis and even death.
Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods at home can create the conditions necessary for bacteria to produce the toxin.
