LAST UPDATE | 13 Sep 2023

THE HSE SAID a “small number” of Irish citizens have been affected by botulism after an outbreak connected to a wine bar in Bordeaux, France.

The HSE is advising anyone who ate sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between 4 September and 10 September and who feel unwell to seek urgent medical care at an Emergency Department.

Earlier today, the Irish Embassy in France warned Irish citizens about an outbreak of botulism connected to the wine bar.

One woman has died and at least 12 others, including one person from Ireland, are receiving treatment for the rare food-borne poisoning after all eating in the same restaurant last week. 

“The Embassy is aware of a botulism outbreak linked to a wine bar in Bordeaux,” the Irish embassy based in Paris has written on social media.

“We advise Irish citizens who ate in Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between September 4th and 10th to immediately consult a doctor if experiencing any symptoms.”

The Embassy is aware of a botulism outbreak linked to a wine bar in Bordeaux.

We advise Irish citizens who ate in Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between September 4th and 10th to immediately consult a doctor if experiencing any symptoms.

— Irish Embassy Paris (@IrlEmbParis) September 13, 2023

Director of the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) Dr Greg Martin said: “It is important to emphasise that this advice only applies to those who ate sardines at the premises during the time specified.”

“There are no other circumstances in which a person can be affected by this incident,” he added.

Martin said: “Botulism can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Symptoms include blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, but sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting can occur.”

The expert said the disease can also lead to problems with vision, and paralysis.

In a statement this evening, the HSE said the HPSC was alerted of this outbreak yesterday by French authorities and were told the details of the restaurant earlier today.

A doctor at the Pellegrin hospital in Bordeaux, Benjamin Clouzeau, told AFP that the people receiving treatment included Irish, American and Canadian nationals, while others from Germany and Spain had returned home for treatment. 

Botulism is a neurological illness caused by a toxin generated by a type of bacteria that can grow when food is improperly preserved or canned.

Bordeaux, which is already a popular destination for tourists, is particularly busy right now as it is one of nine French cities hosting games for the Rugby World Cup.

Thousands of Irish rugby fans were in the city at the weekend as Ireland played its opening match against Romania. 

Local newspaper Sud-Ouest quoted the restaurant owner as saying that he had thrown out some of the jars containing sardines because of a “strong smell” emanating from the containers when he opened them but that others “appeared in good condition and were served up to customers”.

Additional reporting by © AFP 2023 and Muiris O’Cearbhaill