Scores Hospitalized With Botulism Symptoms In Russia; 3 Arrested

Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods are common sources. (file photo)

Russian authorities detained three people on June 18 in connection with a suspected botulism outbreak, a move that comes as 169 people have been hospitalized thus far with the rare disease, most of whom are from Moscow. Officials link the outbreak to ready-to-eat salads made by popular delivery service Kukhnya Na Rayone. Foodborne botulism is a rare illness that can cause paralysis, breathing difficulties, and sometimes death. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods are common sources. Kukhnya Na Rayone suspended operations over the weekend, saying in an online statement that it no longer offered the salad, which had canned beans in it, and would inspect other food it makes as well.