French restaurant boss charged after woman died from botulism

A French restuarant owner has been arrested (Picture: UGO AMEZ/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock)

A French restaurant boss has been charged over the death of a woman after she died of botulism after eating at his establishment.

Botulism is a rare, deadly neurological condition which can prove fatal in around 10% of cases.

It stems from a powerful toxin, produced by a bacteria that can live in poorly-preserved food that has been improperly sterilised.

A 32-year-old Greek woman was believed to have contracted the illnessess after eating poorly preserved sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in central Bordeaux during the rugby world cup.

After travelling to the southwestern city to watch a rugby game with her husband, the couple fell ill upon returning to their home in Paris and were hospitalised, where the woman later passed away.

Around 25 people were exposed to the contaminated sardines served at the wine bar, an investigation by French health authorities and police found.

At least 12 of them were hospitalised, with seven of them ending up in intensive care.

The restaurant boss was taken into custody yesterday and today charged with involuntary homicide, wounding and endangering the lives of others, failing to assist a person in danger and selling contaminated or toxic food.

If convicted he could face up to five years in prison.

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