«Don’t panic. Every year there are cases of botulinum poisoning. The risk increases with the heat, especially when foods preserved in oxygen -free environments and which should maintain the cold chain are exposed to high temperatures for several days. Under these conditions, botulinum spores can germinate and start producing toxins. However, episodes related to street food or restaurants are very rare ». Unfortunately, due to the at least four victims in Italy that have been recorded during this summer, Botulinous poisoning was at the center of the national chronicles. But from the Antivioleni Center of Bergamo (one of the ten recognized throughout Italy) with its director Giuseppe Bacis and the specialist Mariapina Gallo, a reassurance arrives, and an invitation to be prudent in packaging in the Ales or home -made preserves: a tradition for many Italian families especially during the summer season.
Beware of food prepared at home
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«Most of the 70-80 cases reported every year in Italy, mainly in the South, derive from preserves and in the home prepared at home. About 90% of the problem connect to incorrect domestic practices -explain Bacis and Gallo -. To prevent these risks, it is essentially to scrupulously follow the rigorous indications and methods provided by the Higher Institute of Health (and easily available on the institutional website, editor’s note) for the safe preparation of food, starting, first of all, from acidifying the storage environment with vinegar, salt, spices or sugar in order to prevent the spores from germinating and producing toxin. Although cases of botulinum poisoning have always existed, correct management can limit its incidence to a minimum ».
Active 24 hours a day, the croissant of the Antivaleni Center respond specialists in medical toxicology and pharmacology and, in 2024, the calls touched the 400 day
Requests from all over Italy
Giuseppe bacis
(Photo on Beppe Bedolis)
The fear of botulinum intoxication is only one of the many issues that this summer, in particular, have “clogged” The toll-free number (800-883300) of the Antivioleni Center of Bergamo within the Pope John XXIII hospital. Active 24 hours a day, the handset respond to medical specialists in medical toxicology and pharmacology and, in 2024, the calls touched 400 days. Last year the phone calls arrived at the toll -free number in fact exceeded in total the 135 thousand (136,056, to be exact, therefore a daily average of 372), with a 4% increase compared to 2023 in which just over 130 thousand calls arrived.
The regions they call more
“By making a forecast estimate, we will close 2025 with more than 60 thousand consultations provided”, specifies Bacis. Telephone requests come from all over Italy. Most of the calls come from Lombardy (about 29%). Lazio follow (with 9%), Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Sicily each with 7% of the calls. “We also receive calls from abroad: from Europe, above all – points out Dr. Gallo – they are all of Italians abroad who call for information, reassurances or know what to do according to the case. Especially in case of pregnancies. In these situations, being able to speak one’s language gives security and allows more clarity in explanations ».
From mushroom drugs
The appeal: «Getting around for woods looking for mushrooms is a fascinating pastime, but recognizing them correctly is a complicated art that needs experience and preparation. Improvising without an adequate guide can lead to serious mistakes “
Analyzing the calls, the consultancy for clinical cases of acute intoxication were, in 2024, 9,229 (and 1,948 calls). And, in the first half of 2025, 5,989 with a total of 6,865 calls. “Of the clinical cases managed last year, about 4,076 were caused by the intoxication of drugs – explain the two specialists – with increasingly involved young people, about 300 from 10 to 18 years, and which takes on the forms of self -injurious gestures. An extremely critical scenario grown exponentially after the pandemic ». Now, in this season, to worry more about the Antivalenes Center is the collection of mushrooms, often not accompanied by adequate knowledge on the subject. «The collection of mushrooms has already started with great fervor, thanks to the climatic conditions that, between frequent rains and ideal temperatures, have favored this activity. Wandering through woods looking for mushrooms is a fascinating pastime, but recognizing them correctly is a complicated art that needs experience and preparation. Escapling without adequate guide can lead to serious mistakes, with significant health risks as liver and kidney damage. The exposure of this practice also on social media also attracts those who have never attempted this activity, increasing the danger of fatal errors. It is essential to underline that the safe recognition of mushrooms requires practice and experience: it is not enough to consult a book purchased the day before. Few stories are sufficient to understand that only one mistake can be irreversible, “says Bacis.
