Botulism sickens two in Lithuania

Authorities in Lithuania are investigating two cases of foodborne botulism linked to fish sold at a market.

The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) conducted an inspection at a market in Vilnius after receiving a report from the National Public Health Center (NVSC) about two cases of suspected botulism.

Investigations so far have shown that the people who fell ill ate fish purchased at this market.

The NVSC epidemiological work has revealed both patients consumed dried roach. No information has been released about the patients or their condition.

Inspectors found two traders registered with VMVT were selling fish at the market. They also uncovered violations of hygiene, product storage, handling and traceability.

Fish samples were taken during the inspection. Laboratory tests are being conducted to check for the presence of Clostridium botulinum in the products.

In Lithuania, botulism is rare. There was one case registered in 2018 to 2020 but in 2021 to 2022 there were none. In 2023, two patients were reported and there were none in 2024.

Botulinum poisoning is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. At first, severe fatigue, weakness, and dizziness may occur. Later, vision becomes blurred as well as a dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking. It can cause sudden death because of its ability to paralyze muscles used for breathing.

Serbia project
Meanwhile, Lithuania has been chosen to lead a project to strengthen the food safety and phytosanitary system in Serbia.

The aim is to support Serbia in aligning its national food safety, veterinary and plant health system with European Union requirements, contributing to progress in EU accession negotiations. Work will involve drafting legislative amendments, helping Serbian authorities, developing risk-based control systems, and modernizing laboratory and border control procedures.

VMVT, the Austrian Health and Food Safety Agency (AGES), the National Food Chain Safety Office of Hungary (NÉBIH) and the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service will implement the EU-funded project. The €1.8 million ($2.1 million) project will last for 24 months, with a possible extension of another three months.

Audronė Mikalauskienė, VMVT director, said: “This project is significant for both Serbia and us – it is Lithuania’s practical contribution to the preparation of countries aspiring to EU membership and the implementation of the highest food safety and veterinary standards.”

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