According to Saudi Arabian press reports, Saudi authorities on Saturday announced that the source of an outbreak of botulism that has sickened at least 75 people and killing one has been linked to the Hamburgini restaurant chain and tracked to mayonnaise produced by “BON TUM.”
The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing announced on Saturday that lab analysis conducted by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority revealed that Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which causes Botulism, was found in a sample of “BON TUM” mayonnaise that was served by the chain.
The distribution of the mayonnaise has been halted nationwide and it will be removed from markets and food establishments across Saudi Arabia.
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces dangerous toxins-botulinum toxins-under low-oxygen conditions. Botulinum toxins are one of the most lethal substances known. They block nerve functions and can lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis.