An outbreak of aflatoxicosis and boric acid poisoning in Malaysia: a clinicopathological study

Article Abstract:

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus that makes a toxin called aflatoxin. This toxin can be transmitted through food and causes a fatal condition called aflatoxicosis. The symptoms are similar to those caused by Reye's syndrome (loss of consciousness, liver and kidney damage resulting in death) and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). In 1988, there was an outbreak of severe food poisoning in Malaysia that occurred during the Chinese Festival of the Nine-Emperor Gods. Seventeen people became very ill after eating noodles called Loh See Fun (LSF), which were made using boric acid, a banned food preservative. In the past, boric acid has been used in foods to enhance flavor, color, texture and crunchiness. Also, the LSF noodles were confirmed to be contaminated with aflatoxins. The 17 people who became ill had symptoms of vomiting, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, seizures, and coma. When the symptoms first appeared, they were very similar to those caused by Reye's syndrome. Thirteen of the 17 people died, and autopsies were performed on 11 victims. Aflatoxins were found in the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and brain. The autopsies showed severe liver and kidney damage. It was concluded that the cause of death was kidney and liver failure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Malaysia, Aflatoxins, Noodles, Boric acid

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Michino et al. respond to Drs. Mermin and Griffin

Article Abstract:

Public health officials in Japan gained valuable experience when they tracked an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infection to contaminated radish sprouts. The outbreak occurred in Sakai City, Osaka, and prompted the government to enact guidelines for handling such emergencies.

Japan, Escherichia coli infections, Radishes

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Food poisoning from alfalfa and clover sprouts

Article Abstract:

Alfalfa sprouts and clover sprouts can become contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning, such as E. coli O157 or Salmonella. Five outbreaks of food poisoning in the US between 1996 and 1998 were caused by contaminated sprouts.

Causes of, Salmonellosis

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