Lithuanian authorities are investigating two cases of foodborne botulism linked to fish sold at the market.
The State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS) carried out an inspection at a market in Vilnius after receiving a report from the National Public Health Center (NCPH) about two cases of suspected botulism.
The investigation showed that the sick people ate fish purchased at this market.
Epidemiological work of the NVSC revealed that both patients consumed dried roach. No information about the patients or their conditions is disclosed.
Inspectors found that two traders registered with the BMBT were selling fish at the market. They also identified violations of hygiene, storage, handling and product tracking.
During the inspection, fish samples were taken. Laboratory tests are carried out to determine the presence of Clostridium botulinum in products.
Botulism is rare in Lithuania. There was one case reported in 2018-2020 and none in 2021-2022. There were two patients reported in 2023, but none in 2024.
Botulinum poisoning is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. With foodborne botulism, symptoms usually appear 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Initially, severe fatigue, weakness and dizziness may occur. Later, vision becomes blurred, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing and speaking appear. It can cause sudden death due to its ability to paralyze the muscles used for breathing.
Serbian project
Meanwhile, Lithuania was chosen to lead a project to strengthen the food safety and phytosanitary system in Serbia.
The goal is to support Serbia in bringing its national food safety, veterinary and plant health system into line with European Union requirements, facilitating progress in EU accession negotiations. The work will include developing legislative amendments, providing assistance to Serbian authorities, developing risk-based control systems, and modernizing laboratory and border control procedures.
VMVT, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), the Hungarian National Food Chain Safety Authority (NÉBIH) and the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service will implement the EU-funded project. The €1.8 million ($2.1 million) project will last 24 months, with a possible extension of a further three months.
Audrone Mikalauskienė, director of VMVT, said: “This project is important both for Serbia and for us – it is Lithuania’s practical contribution to preparing countries seeking EU membership and implementing the highest standards of food safety and veterinary medicine.”
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